What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shaping
Example
The artist spent hours shaping the clay into a beautiful vase. [shaping: verb]
Example
The teacher played a crucial role in shaping the students' understanding of the topic. [shaping: gerund or present participle]
molding
Example
The factory worker poured the molten metal into the molding to create the desired shape. [molding: noun]
Example
The parents played a significant role in molding their child's values and beliefs. [molding: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Molding is more commonly used than shaping in everyday language, especially in the context of manufacturing and construction. Shaping is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shaping and molding?
Both shaping and molding are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
