What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
germinating
Example
The seeds are germinating in the soil and will soon sprout into seedlings. [germinating: verb]
Example
The germinating process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. [germinating: present participle]
sprouting
Example
The bean sprouts are ready to be harvested and added to the salad. [sprouts: noun]
Example
The seeds have started sprouting and will soon become full-grown plants. [sprouting: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sprouting is more commonly used than germinating in everyday language, particularly in culinary and gardening contexts. Germinating is more commonly used in scientific or agricultural contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between germinating and sprouting?
Germinating has a more technical or scientific connotation, making it more formal than sprouting, which has a more casual or everyday connotation.
