What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
freeloading
Example
He's been freeloading off his parents for years, refusing to get a job. [freeloading: verb]
Example
She's always freeloading off her friends, expecting them to pay for everything. [freeloading: gerund or present participle]
begging
Example
The homeless man was begging for spare change on the street corner. [begging: verb]
Example
She was reduced to begging for food after losing her job. [begging: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Begging is more commonly used than freeloading in everyday language. Begging is a recognized term that is used in various contexts, including charity work and social welfare programs. Freeloading is less common and is often used in informal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between freeloading and begging?
Neither freeloading nor begging is particularly formal. Both are casual terms that are used in everyday conversation and informal writing.
