What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shooing
Example
The cat was sitting on the couch, and I had to shoo it away. [shoo: verb]
Example
I spent the morning shooing birds away from my vegetable garden. [shooing: gerund or present participle]
dispersing
Example
The police used tear gas to disperse the protesters. [disperse: verb]
Example
The wind was dispersing the smoke from the fire in all directions. [dispersing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dispersing is more commonly used than shooing in everyday language. Dispersing is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while shooing is less common and often used in specific situations involving animals or pests.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shooing and dispersing?
Dispersing is more formal than shooing. It is often used in official or academic contexts, while shooing is more casual and informal.
