What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
puttering
Example
He spent the afternoon puttering around in his garage. [puttering: verb]
Example
I like to spend my weekends puttering in the garden. [puttering: gerund or present participle]
dabble
Example
She dabbled in painting but never pursued it seriously. [dabbled: past tense]
Example
I like to dabble in different cuisines when I cook. [dabble: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dabble is more commonly used than puttering in everyday language. Dabble is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while puttering is less common and refers to a more specific type of activity.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between puttering and dabble?
While puttering is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, dabble can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
