What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
eruption
Example
The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 buried the city of Pompeii. [eruption: noun]
Example
There was an eruption of violence at the protest when the police arrived. [eruption: noun]
erupting
Example
The volcano is erupting again after being dormant for many years. [erupting: verb]
Example
She couldn't control her erupting laughter during the comedy show. [erupting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Eruption is less common than erupting in everyday language, as it is more specific and technical. Erupting is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between eruption and erupting?
Eruption is more formal than erupting, as it is often used in scientific or technical writing. Erupting can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
