What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flying
Example
The bird was flying high in the sky. [flying: verb]
Example
I love flying in airplanes, it's so exciting! [flying: gerund or present participle]
soaring
Example
The eagle soared above the mountains. [soared: verb]
Example
I felt like I was soaring through the clouds on my hang glider. [soaring: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flying is a more common word than soaring and is used in a wider range of contexts, including aviation, transportation, and everyday language. Soaring is less common and is typically used in recreational or leisurely contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flying and soaring?
Both flying and soaring can be used in formal and informal contexts, but flying is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, including technical or scientific writing.