What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poking
Example
She poked the cake with her finger to see if it was done. [poked: verb]
Example
The child poked his friend in the arm to get their attention. [poked: past tense]
Example
The cat kept poking at the toy mouse, trying to catch it. [poking: gerund or present participle]
prodding
Example
He prodded the fire with a stick to keep it going. [prodded: verb]
Example
The coach prodded the team to work harder and improve their skills. [prodded: past tense]
Example
Her curiosity was prodding her to explore the unknown. [prodding: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Poking is more commonly used in everyday language than prodding. Poking can be used in a variety of contexts, from playful to annoying, while prodding is more often used in a motivational or encouraging sense.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between poking and prodding?
Both poking and prodding can be used in informal or formal contexts, depending on the situation and tone of the conversation. However, prodding may be more commonly used in formal settings, such as business or academic environments, where motivation and encouragement are important factors.
