What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
professing
Example
She was professing her love for him in front of everyone. [professing: verb]
Example
After completing his degree, he started professing as a teacher. [professing: gerund or present participle]
avow
Example
He avowed his innocence in front of the jury. [avowed: past tense]
Example
She avows her commitment to environmental protection. [avows: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Professing is more commonly used than avow in everyday language. Professing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while avow is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between professing and avow?
Avow is generally considered more formal than professing. While professing can be used in both formal and informal contexts, avow is typically reserved for more formal situations where a strong declaration of beliefs or principles is required.
