What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sanding
Example
I spent the afternoon sanding down the wooden table. [sanding: gerund or present participle]
Example
The carpenter used sandpaper to sand the rough edges of the wood. [sand: verb]
polishing
Example
She spent hours polishing her silver jewelry until it shone brightly. [polishing: gerund or present participle]
Example
The car enthusiast polished his vintage car until it gleamed in the sunlight. [polished: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sanding is more commonly used than polishing in woodworking and metalworking contexts. However, polishing is more common in everyday language when referring to cleaning and shining objects.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sanding and polishing?
Both sanding and polishing can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, polishing may be associated with a more formal tone when referring to cleaning and shining objects.
