What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
footfall
Example
The footfalls of the jogger echoed through the empty street. [footfalls: noun]
Example
She adjusted her footfall to match the beat of the music. [footfall: noun]
footstep
Example
I heard footsteps approaching from behind me. [footsteps: noun]
Example
He took a hesitant footstep forward, unsure of what lay ahead. [footstep: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Footstep is more commonly used than footfall in everyday language. It is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while footfall is less common and may be limited to specific literary or poetic uses.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between footfall and footstep?
While footstep is a neutral word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, footfall may be considered more formal or literary due to its less common usage and specific connotations.
