What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patrolling
Example
The police officer was patrolling the neighborhood to deter any criminal activity. [patrolling: verb]
Example
The soldiers were patrolling the border to prevent any unauthorized entry. [patrolling: gerund or present participle]
surveillance
Example
The security camera provided 24/7 surveillance of the parking lot. [surveillance: noun]
Example
The detective was conducting surveillance on the suspect's house to gather evidence. [surveillance: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surveillance is more commonly used than patrolling in everyday language. Surveillance is a broader term that covers a wide range of contexts, including security cameras, drones, and other technology. Patrolling is more specific and often associated with law enforcement or military operations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between patrolling and surveillance?
Both patrolling and surveillance can be used in formal and informal contexts, but surveillance is often associated with a more formal or technical tone due to its use in security and intelligence fields.
