What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rocking
Example
The baby fell asleep in the rocking chair. [rocking: noun]
Example
She was rocking back and forth to the music. [rocking: present participle]
swaying
Example
The trees were swaying in the breeze. [swaying: present participle]
Example
She was swaying to the rhythm of the music. [swaying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rocking and swaying are both common words that are used in everyday language, but rocking may be more commonly used in the context of chairs, cradles, or swings, while swaying may be more commonly used to describe trees, buildings, or people.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rocking and swaying?
Both rocking and swaying are relatively informal words that can be used in casual conversation or writing. However, swaying may be slightly more formal due to its association with natural phenomena like trees or buildings.
