What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skidding
Example
The car skidded on the icy road and hit a tree. [skidded: past tense]
Example
I almost fell while skidding on the wet floor. [skidding: gerund or present participle]
skating
Example
I love going ice skating with my friends. [skating: noun]
Example
She was skating beautifully across the dance floor. [skating: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Skating is more commonly used than skidding in everyday language. Skating is a popular leisure activity enjoyed by many, while skidding is a less common occurrence that is often associated with accidents or dangerous situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between skidding and skating?
Both skidding and skating can be used in formal and informal contexts, but skating is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, making it more suitable for formal settings.