What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
loading
Example
The workers were loading the boxes onto the truck. [loading: verb]
Example
I'm still waiting for the loading of the software to finish. [loading: noun]
Example
He finished loading his gun before heading out to the range. [loading: gerund or present participle]
unloading
Example
The workers were unloading the boxes from the truck. [unloading: verb]
Example
I need to do some unloading of old files from my computer. [unloading: noun]
Example
He made sure to unload his gun before entering the house. [unloading: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Loading is more commonly used than unloading in everyday language, as it is a more frequent action in daily life.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between loading and unloading?
Both loading and unloading are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
