What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preen
Example
The bird preened its feathers after taking a bath. [preened: past tense]
Example
She preened in front of the mirror, admiring her new dress. [preen: verb]
groom
Example
He spent hours grooming his horse for the competition. [grooming: present participle]
Example
She groomed herself carefully before the job interview. [groomed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Groom is more commonly used than preen in everyday language. Groom is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while preen is less common and refers to a specific behavior of birds or animals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preen and groom?
Both preen and groom can be used in formal and informal contexts, but groom is more versatile and can be used in more formal settings such as business or professional contexts.
