What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
habiting
Example
The birds are habiting in the trees outside my window. [habiting: verb]
Example
I enjoy habiting at the local coffee shop to get some work done. [habiting: gerund or present participle]
inhabit
Example
The island is inhabited by a variety of exotic animals. [inhabited: past participle]
Example
The indigenous people have inhabited this land for centuries. [inhabit: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inhabit is more commonly used than habiting in everyday language. Inhabit is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while habiting is less common and more informal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between habiting and inhabit?
Inhabit is generally considered more formal than habiting. It is often used in scientific or academic contexts to describe the presence of living beings in a particular environment.