What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
experiencing
Example
I am experiencing a lot of stress at work. [experiencing: verb]
Example
Experiencing different cultures is one of the best parts of traveling. [experiencing: gerund or present participle]
encounter
Example
I had an encounter with a bear while hiking in the woods. [encounter: noun]
Example
She encountered some problems while trying to fix her car. [encountered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Experiencing is more commonly used than encounter in everyday language. Experiencing is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while encounter is less common and often used in more specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between experiencing and encounter?
Both experiencing and encounter can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but encounter may be more appropriate in formal writing when referring to specific events or situations.
