What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
panting
Example
After running a marathon, he was panting heavily. [panting: verb]
Example
The dog was panting with excitement when he saw his owner. [panting: present participle]
puffing
Example
He was puffing after climbing up the stairs. [puffing: present participle]
Example
She was puffing on a cigarette outside the building. [puffing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Panting is more commonly used than puffing in everyday language. Panting is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while puffing is less common and has a more specific meaning related to smoking or blowing air out in short bursts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between panting and puffing?
Both panting and puffing are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts.
