What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hatching
Example
The eggs in the nest are hatching, and soon we'll have baby birds. [hatching: present participle]
Example
I've been hatching a plan to surprise my friend for their birthday. [hatching: verb]
incubation
Example
The eggs are in the incubation chamber, and we're monitoring the temperature and humidity levels. [incubation: noun]
Example
The company is investing in the incubation of new ideas to stay ahead of the competition. [incubation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incubation is more commonly used than hatching in everyday language, especially in a figurative sense to describe the development of ideas or plans. Hatching is less common and is typically used in a literal sense to describe the emergence of a baby bird, insect, or reptile.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hatching and incubation?
Both hatching and incubation can be used in formal and informal contexts, but incubation is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both scientific and everyday language.
