What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
patting
Example
She patted her dog on the head to show him affection. [patting: verb]
Example
He gave her a pat on the back for a job well done. [pat: noun]
Example
The drummer was patting his hands on his thighs to create a beat. [patting: gerund or present participle]
stroking
Example
She was stroking her cat's fur to calm him down. [stroking: verb]
Example
He gave the painting a final stroke to finish it. [stroke: noun]
Example
The groomer was stroking the dog's hair to make it look neat. [stroking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stroking is less common than patting in everyday language. Patting is a more versatile word that covers a wider range of contexts, while stroking is more specific and often used in more intimate or emotional situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between patting and stroking?
Stroking is generally considered more formal than patting, as it is often used in professional or medical contexts, such as when examining a patient or conducting a massage. However, both words can be used in both formal and informal situations depending on the context.
