What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hovering
Example
The hummingbird was hovering over the flower, searching for nectar. [hovering: verb]
Example
The helicopter was hovering above the building, waiting for further instructions. [hovering: present participle]
Example
The magician appeared to be hovering in mid-air, much to the amazement of the audience. [hovering: gerund]
floating
Example
The leaves were floating on the surface of the pond. [floating: verb]
Example
The boat was floating down the river, carried by the current. [floating: present participle]
Example
After finishing her work, she felt like she was floating on air. [floating: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Floating is more commonly used than hovering in everyday language. Floating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hovering is less common and often associated with specific objects or situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hovering and floating?
Both hovering and floating can be used in formal and informal contexts, but hovering may be more commonly used in technical or specialized fields, such as aviation or biology.
