What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reserving
Example
I am reserving a table for two at the restaurant tonight. [reserving: present participle]
Example
The company is reserving funds for future investments. [reserving: verb]
booking
Example
I am booking a flight to New York for next week. [booking: present participle]
Example
She booked a massage appointment for Saturday afternoon. [booked: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Booking is more commonly used than reserving in everyday language. Booking is a more versatile term that covers a wider range of contexts and services, while reserving is more specific and limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reserving and booking?
Both reserving and booking can be used in formal and informal contexts, but reserving may be associated with a slightly more formal tone due to its exclusivity and limited availability connotations.