What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sidetracking
Example
Let's not sidetrack from the main issue at hand. [sidetrack: verb]
Example
The team was sidetracked by an unexpected problem, delaying the project. [sidetracked: past participle]
distracting
Example
The noise outside was distracting me from my work. [distracting: present participle]
Example
The bright colors on the wall were very distracting during the meeting. [distracting: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distracting is more commonly used than sidetracking in everyday language. Distracting is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sidetracking is less common and refers to a specific type of deviation from the main task or goal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sidetracking and distracting?
Both sidetracking and distracting are typically associated with an informal tone. However, distracting can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while sidetracking is less versatile and is mainly used in informal contexts.
