What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nibbling
Example
I was nibbling on some crackers while I watched TV. [nibbling: verb]
Example
She took a nibbling bite of the cookie. [nibbling: gerund or present participle]
gnawing
Example
The dog was gnawing on his bone for hours. [gnawing: verb]
Example
The mouse had gnawed a hole in the wall. [gnawed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nibbling is more commonly used than gnawing in everyday language. Nibbling is a common term used to describe snacking or eating small amounts of food throughout the day, while gnawing is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nibbling and gnawing?
Both nibbling and gnawing are informal terms and are not typically used in formal contexts.
