What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flaking
Example
After getting a sunburn, my skin started flaking off. [flaking: verb]
Example
The old paint on the walls was flaking off in small pieces. [flaking: present participle]
shedding
Example
My cat is shedding a lot of fur this season. [shedding: present participle]
Example
The trees are shedding their leaves as winter approaches. [shedding: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shedding is more commonly used than flaking in everyday language. Shedding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while flaking is less common and refers to specific situations involving skin or coating coming off.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flaking and shedding?
Both flaking and shedding are typically associated with an informal tone and are used in casual conversation or writing.
