What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
smarting
Example
The cut on my finger is still smarting. [smarting: verb]
Example
She felt a smarting sensation in her eyes after swimming in the chlorinated pool. [smarting: gerund or present participle]
burning
Example
He felt a burning sensation in his chest after eating spicy food. [burning: gerund or present participle]
Example
She had a burning desire to travel the world. [burning: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Burning is more commonly used than smarting in everyday language. Burning is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while smarting is less common and has a more specific use.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between smarting and burning?
Both smarting and burning can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but burning is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.
