What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
inbound
Example
The inbound flight from New York will arrive at 3 pm. [inbound: adjective]
Example
The inbound shipment of goods should be here by tomorrow. [inbound: noun]
Example
The inbound call was transferred to the customer service department. [inbound: adjective]
arriving
Example
We are arriving at the airport in 10 minutes. [arriving: present participle]
Example
The train is arriving on platform 3. [arriving: present participle]
Example
The flight from London will be arriving in an hour. [arriving: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Arriving is more commonly used than inbound in everyday language. Arriving is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inbound is less common and mainly used in the transportation and logistics industry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inbound and arriving?
Inbound is more formal than arriving, which is more casual and commonly used in everyday language.