What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
punishing
Example
The judge gave a punishing sentence to the convicted criminal. [punishing: adjective]
Example
The marathon was a punishing race, but the runners persevered. [punishing: adjective]
demanding
Example
Being a doctor is a demanding profession that requires years of training. [demanding: adjective]
Example
My boss is very demanding and always expects perfection. [demanding: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Demanding is more commonly used than punishing in everyday language. Demanding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while punishing is less common and refers to specific situations that involve punishment or hardship.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between punishing and demanding?
Both punishing and demanding can be used in formal and informal contexts, but punishing is more likely to be used in legal or official contexts, while demanding is more likely to be used in professional or personal contexts.
