What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skim
Example
I only had time to skim the article before the meeting. [skim: verb]
Example
She skimmed the cream off the top of the milk. [skimmed: past tense]
Example
The bird skimmed over the water's surface. [skimmed: past participle]
peruse
Example
I need to peruse this contract before signing it. [peruse: verb]
Example
He perused the report for any errors. [perused: past tense]
Example
She spent the afternoon perusing the bookstore. [perusing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Skim is more commonly used than peruse in everyday language. Skim is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while peruse is less common and typically used in more formal settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between skim and peruse?
Peruse is typically associated with a more formal and serious tone, while skim is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
