What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
float
Example
The boat floated on the calm lake. [float: verb]
Example
She lay on her back and let herself float in the pool. [float: verb]
Example
The balloon floated up into the sky. [float: verb]
glide
Example
The eagle glided effortlessly through the sky. [glided: past tense]
Example
The swan glided across the pond, leaving a trail of ripples behind. [glided: verb]
Example
The ice skater glided across the rink with ease. [glided: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Float is more commonly used than glide in everyday language, especially in the context of swimming or floating on water. Glide is more specific and often used in technical or specialized contexts, such as aviation or figure skating.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between float and glide?
Glide is generally considered more formal than float, as it is often used in technical or specialized contexts that require precision and expertise. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and tone of the communication.
