What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reciting
Example
She recited the entire poem flawlessly. [recited: past tense]
Example
The students practiced reciting their lines for the school play. [reciting: present participle]
uttering
Example
He uttered a curse under his breath. [uttered: past tense]
Example
The politician was criticized for uttering insensitive remarks during the debate. [uttering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Uttering is more commonly used than reciting in everyday language, as it is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts. Reciting is more specific and tends to be used in more formal or specialized settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reciting and uttering?
Reciting is generally considered more formal than uttering, as it often involves memorization and is associated with formal contexts such as reciting a poem or speech. Uttering is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
