What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skim
Example
I usually skim through the news headlines in the morning. [skim: verb]
Example
The bird skimmed over the water's surface in search of fish. [skimmed: past tense]
Example
Skim the fat off the top of the soup before serving. [skim: verb]
browse
Example
I like to browse the bookstore for hours on the weekends. [browse: verb]
Example
The cows were browsing in the field, eating the fresh grass. [browsing: present participle]
Example
I spent the afternoon browsing through travel blogs for inspiration. [browsing: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Browse is more commonly used than skim in everyday language. Browse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while skim is less common and refers to specific actions such as reading or removing impurities.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between skim and browse?
Both skim and browse are relatively informal and can be used in casual conversations or writing. However, skim may be more appropriate in technical or academic contexts where time is limited and specific information needs to be found quickly.
