What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
presiding
Example
The judge will be presiding over the trial. [presiding: verb]
Example
The presiding officer called the meeting to order. [presiding: adjective]
conducting
Example
The conductor led the orchestra through a beautiful rendition of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony. [conducting: verb]
Example
The researcher was conducting a study on the effects of caffeine on sleep patterns. [conducting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conducting is more commonly used than presiding in everyday language. Conducting is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while presiding is more specific and is typically used in formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between presiding and conducting?
Presiding is typically associated with formal and official settings, while conducting can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, both words can be used in formal settings depending on the context and tone of the situation.