What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lateral
Example
The patient had pain in his lateral thigh. [lateral: adjective]
Example
The football player made a lateral pass to his teammate. [lateral: noun]
Example
She took a lateral step to avoid the obstacle. [lateral: adjective]
flanking
Example
The building was flanked by two tall trees. [flanked: verb]
Example
The general ordered his troops to flank the enemy's position. [flank: verb]
Example
We need to come up with a flanking maneuver to solve this issue. [flanking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lateral is more commonly used than flanking in everyday language, particularly in technical or medical contexts. Flanking is more commonly used in military or strategic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lateral and flanking?
Lateral is a more neutral and technical term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Flanking has a stronger connotation of strategy or tactics and is more commonly used in formal or professional settings.
