What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fanning
Example
She was fanning herself with a hand-held fan to keep cool. [fanning: verb]
Example
He fanned out the cards and shuffled them before dealing. [fanned: past tense]
separation
Example
The separation of the egg yolk from the egg white is an important step in making meringue. [separation: noun]
Example
The couple decided on a trial separation to work on their issues. [separation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Separation is more commonly used than fanning in everyday language. Separation is a common word used in various contexts, such as relationships, science, and business. Fanning, on the other hand, is less common and is often used in specific contexts, such as cooling down or spreading out objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fanning and separation?
Both fanning and separation can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but separation is more versatile and can be used in more formal settings, such as legal or scientific documents.
