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 is delayed. [inbound: adjective]
Example
We need to improve our inbound marketing to attract more customers. [inbound: adjective]
incoming
Example
The incoming tide will cover the beach soon. [incoming: adjective]
Example
I have an incoming call on my phone. [incoming: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incoming is more commonly used than inbound in everyday language. Incoming is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while inbound is less common and refers to specific business and marketing strategies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between inbound and incoming?
Both inbound and incoming can be used in formal and informal contexts, but inbound may be more appropriate in professional settings due to its association with business and marketing terminology.