What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scrimshank
Example
He always tries to scrimshank his duties at work. [scrimshank: verb]
Example
The employee was caught scrimshanking and was reprimanded by the boss. [scrimshanking: gerund or present participle]
sidestep
Example
She sidestepped the question by changing the subject. [sidestep: verb]
Example
The politician tried to sidestep the issue by giving vague answers. [sidestepping: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sidestep is more commonly used than scrimshank in everyday language. Sidestep is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scrimshank is less common and may not be familiar to many English speakers.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scrimshank and sidestep?
Sidestep is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts. On the other hand, scrimshank is typically associated with informal or colloquial language and may not be appropriate for formal situations.
