What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sighting
Example
The sighting of a bald eagle in the park was a rare and exciting event. [sighting: noun]
Example
We had a sighting of a pod of dolphins while on our boat trip. [sighting: gerund or present participle]
viewing
Example
We went to the cinema for a viewing of the latest blockbuster movie. [viewing: noun]
Example
The scientist was viewing the cells under the microscope to study their structure. [viewing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Viewing is more commonly used than sighting in everyday language. Viewing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sighting is less common and refers to a specific type of observation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sighting and viewing?
Viewing is more formal than sighting, which is often associated with a casual or informal tone. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
