What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preening
Example
The bird spent hours preening its feathers until they were perfectly aligned. [preening: verb]
Example
She was preening in front of the mirror, making sure her hair was just right. [preening: gerund or present participle]
grooming
Example
I need to groom my dog before the pet show tomorrow. [groom: verb]
Example
He spent an hour grooming himself before the job interview. [grooming: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grooming is more commonly used than preening in everyday language. Grooming is a versatile term that can refer to various aspects of cleaning and maintaining oneself, while preening is more specific to birds and appearance.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between preening and grooming?
Both preening and grooming can be used in formal and informal contexts, but grooming is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, making it more appropriate for formal situations.
