What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prickling
Example
As I sat cross-legged for too long, my foot started prickling. [prickling: verb]
Example
The cold wind made my skin prickling all over. [prickling: gerund or present participle]
itching
Example
I have been itching all day after getting bitten by mosquitoes. [itching: verb]
Example
The athlete had an itching desire to win the championship. [itching: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Itching is more commonly used than prickling in everyday language. Itching is a common sensation that people experience due to various reasons, while prickling is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prickling and itching?
Both prickling and itching are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.