What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drizzling
Example
It's drizzling outside, so don't forget your umbrella. [drizzling: present participle]
Example
The weather forecast said it would be drizzling all day. [drizzling: gerund]
sprinkling
Example
I felt a sprinkling of rain on my face as I walked to the car. [sprinkling: noun]
Example
She sprinkled some salt on the vegetables before roasting them. [sprinkled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sprinkling is more commonly used than drizzling in everyday language. Sprinkling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while drizzling is less common and refers specifically to rain.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drizzling and sprinkling?
Both drizzling and sprinkling are relatively informal words and can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, sprinkling may be slightly more formal due to its use in cooking and gardening contexts.