What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
read
Example
I love to read books in my free time. [read: verb]
Example
She was reading the newspaper when I walked in. [reading: gerund or present participle]
examine
Example
The doctor will examine your throat to see if you have strep. [examine: verb]
Example
He spent hours examining the evidence to find the culprit. [examining: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Read is more commonly used than examine in everyday language. Read is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while examine is more specific and often used in formal or technical settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between read and examine?
Examine is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, while read is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
