What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flailing
Example
The drowning man was flailing his arms wildly, trying to stay afloat. [flailing: present participle]
Example
The injured player was flailing on the ground, trying to get up. [flailing: gerund]
tossing
Example
She was tossing a ball to her dog in the park. [tossing: present participle]
Example
He tossed the keys to me before leaving the room. [tossed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tossing is more commonly used than flailing in everyday language. Tossing is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while flailing is less common and often used in situations of distress or danger.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between flailing and tossing?
Both flailing and tossing can be used in informal or casual contexts. However, tossing can also be used in formal contexts, such as business or academic writing, while flailing is more informal and less appropriate for formal settings.
