What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sidetracked
Example
I got sidetracked while working on my essay and ended up spending hours researching something unrelated. [sidetracked: past tense]
Example
We were sidetracked by the beautiful scenery and ended up taking a longer route than planned. [sidetracked: verb]
distracted
Example
I was too distracted by my phone to finish my homework on time. [distracted: adjective]
Example
The noise outside was distracting me from my work. [distracting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distracted is more commonly used than sidetracked in everyday language. Distracted is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sidetracked is less common and often used in specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between sidetracked and distracted?
Both sidetracked and distracted are relatively informal words, but sidetracked may be slightly more formal due to its association with specific contexts, such as business or academic settings.
