What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lingered
Example
She lingered at the park, enjoying the sunshine. [lingered: verb]
Example
The smell of fresh coffee lingered in the air. [lingered: past tense]
Example
He lingered over his breakfast, savoring every bite. [lingered: past participle]
loitered
Example
The security guard asked the teenagers to stop loitering outside the store. [loitering: present participle]
Example
He was caught loitering in the park after hours. [loitering: verb]
Example
The police officer warned the man not to loiter in front of the bank. [loiter: infinitive]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lingered is less common than loitered in everyday language. Lingered is more versatile and can be used in various contexts, while loitered is usually associated with negative connotations and legal implications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lingered and loitered?
Both lingered and loitered are informal words, but loitered is often associated with negative connotations and legal implications, making it less appropriate for formal situations.
