What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
footfall
Example
The only sound was the soft footfall of the hiker on the forest floor. [footfall: noun]
Example
She walked with a light footfall, as if trying not to disturb the silence. [footfall: adjective]
step
Example
He took a step forward and extended his hand. [step: noun]
Example
She stepped carefully over the puddle to avoid getting her shoes wet. [step: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Step is more commonly used than footfall in everyday language. Step is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while footfall is less common and has a more formal or literary connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between footfall and step?
Footfall is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while step is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
