What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
skittering
Example
The mouse was skittering across the kitchen floor. [skittering: verb]
Example
The leaves were skittering along the pavement in the wind. [skittering: gerund or present participle]
flitting
Example
The butterfly was flitting from flower to flower in the garden. [flitting: verb]
Example
The sun was flitting through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. [flitting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Skittering is less common than flitting in everyday language, as it is more specific to the movement of small animals or insects. Flitting is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between skittering and flitting?
Both skittering and flitting are informal words, suitable for casual conversation or creative writing. Neither word is particularly formal or academic in tone.
