What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lurking
Example
The detective was lurking in the shadows, waiting for the suspect to appear. [lurking: verb]
Example
I felt like someone was lurking behind me, watching my every move. [lurking: present participle]
sneaking
Example
He was sneaking around the house, trying not to wake anyone up. [sneaking: present participle]
Example
She was caught sneaking candy from the store without paying. [sneaking: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sneaking is more commonly used than lurking in everyday language. Sneaking is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lurking is less common and refers to a more specific type of behavior.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between lurking and sneaking?
Both lurking and sneaking are informal words, but sneaking is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
