What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
emoting
Example
The actor was emoting so well that the audience could feel his character's pain. [emoting: verb]
Example
She was emoting sadness through her teary eyes and slumped posture. [emoting: present participle]
showing
Example
He was showing off his new car to his friends. [showing: verb]
Example
She was showing her appreciation by giving him a heartfelt hug. [showing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Showing is more commonly used than emoting in everyday language. Showing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while emoting is less common and often associated with acting or performance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between emoting and showing?
Both emoting and showing can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but emoting may be perceived as more informal or even unprofessional in certain settings, while showing is generally neutral in terms of formality.