What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gliding
Example
The eagle was gliding effortlessly through the sky. [gliding: verb]
Example
The ballerina's movements were so graceful, it looked like she was gliding across the stage. [gliding: present participle]
sliding
Example
The children were having fun sliding down the snowy hill on their sleds. [sliding: present participle]
Example
She slid the plate across the table towards him. [slid: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sliding is more commonly used than gliding in everyday language. Sliding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gliding is less common and often associated with specific activities or sports.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gliding and sliding?
Both gliding and sliding can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but gliding may be more associated with a formal or technical tone due to its association with specific activities or sports.
