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 newspaper in the morning to catch up on the news. [skim: verb]
Example
The chef skimmed the fat off the top of the soup before serving it. [skimmed: past tense]
scan
Example
I scanned the article for any mention of my name. [scanned: past tense]
Example
The doctor recommended a CT scan to diagnose the problem. [scan: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scan is more commonly used than skim in everyday language. Scan is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while skim is less common and mainly used in reading materials and cooking.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between skim and scan?
Both skim and scan can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, scan is often associated with technical fields and may be more commonly used in formal settings.
