What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
footle
Example
Stop footling around and get to work! [footle: verb]
Example
I spent the whole day footling around on my phone instead of doing my homework. [footling: gerund or present participle]
putter
Example
I like to putter around in the garden on weekends. [putter: verb]
Example
She spent the afternoon puttering around the house, cleaning and organizing. [puttering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Putter is more commonly used than footle in everyday language. Putter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while footle is less common and may be considered more informal or colloquial.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between footle and putter?
Both footle and putter are generally informal and casual words, but putter may be considered more appropriate for formal writing or speech due to its more positive connotation.
