What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
raft
Example
We went rafting down the river and had a great time. [rafting: gerund or present participle]
Example
The team managed to raft across the river despite the strong current. [raft: verb]
float
Example
The leaves floated on the surface of the pond. [floated: past tense]
Example
We watched the floats go by during the Thanksgiving Day parade. [floats: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Float is more commonly used than raft in everyday language. Float has a wider range of meanings and can be used in various contexts, while raft is more specific to water-related activities.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between raft and float?
Both raft and float are relatively informal words, but float may be slightly more formal due to its use in financial contexts.