What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
freestyle
Example
I prefer to swim freestyle because it's the fastest stroke. [freestyle: noun]
Example
She freestyled her way to the finish line and won the race. [freestyled: verb]
crawl
Example
I need to work on my crawl technique to improve my speed. [crawl: noun]
Example
He crawled his way to the finish line and set a new record. [crawled: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crawl is more commonly used than freestyle in everyday language, especially in the context of swimming. However, freestyle is still widely recognized as a term for any stroke in competitive swimming events.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between freestyle and crawl?
Both freestyle and crawl can be used in formal and informal contexts, but crawl may be slightly more formal due to its specific technique and use in competitive events.