What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
graphed
Example
She graphed the results of the experiment to show the correlation between temperature and pressure. [graphed: past tense]
Example
The student is graphing the data to see if there is a trend over time. [graphing: present participle]
plot
Example
The author created a plot diagram to outline the story's structure. [plot: noun]
Example
He plotted the coordinates of the ship's location on the map. [plotted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Graphing is more commonly used than plotting in scientific and mathematical contexts, while plotting is more commonly used in literary or storytelling contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between graphed and plot?
Both graphing and plotting can be used in formal and informal contexts, but graphing is typically associated with a more objective and analytical tone, while plotting can have a more subjective or strategic connotation.
