What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ebbing
Example
The tide is ebbing, and the beach is getting wider. [ebbing: present participle]
Example
After the initial excitement, her enthusiasm for the project started ebbing away. [ebbing: gerund]
receding
Example
The sound of the waves receding into the distance was soothing. [receding: present participle]
Example
The memory of the incident was slowly receding from her mind. [receding: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Receding is more commonly used than ebbing in everyday language. Receding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ebbing is less common and mainly used in the context of water movement or a gradual decline.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ebbing and receding?
Both ebbing and receding are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
