What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scrubbing
Example
She was scrubbing the floor with a brush and soap. [scrubbing: verb]
Example
The stubborn stain required some heavy scrubbing to remove. [scrubbing: gerund or present participle]
rubbing
Example
I was rubbing the table with a cloth to make it shine. [rubbing: verb]
Example
He rubbed his sore muscles after a long workout. [rubbed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rubbing is more commonly used than scrubbing in everyday language. Rubbing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scrubbing is less common and is mostly used in cleaning-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scrubbing and rubbing?
While rubbing is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, scrubbing can be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in professional cleaning or medical settings.
