What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sniffing
Example
She was sniffing the flowers in the garden. [sniffing: verb]
Example
He gave a quick sniffing sound before answering the question. [sniffing: noun]
Example
The dog was sniffing around the park, trying to find a scent. [sniffing: gerund]
snorting
Example
He snorted in disbelief when he heard the news. [snorted: verb]
Example
The horse made a snorting sound when it saw the stranger. [snorting: noun]
Example
He was caught snorting cocaine in the bathroom. [snorting: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sniffing is a more common word than snorting in everyday language, as it is a natural and common behavior for humans and animals. Snorting, on the other hand, is less common and often associated with specific contexts or situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sniffing and snorting?
Sniffing is a more formal word than snorting, as it is commonly used in scientific or technical contexts related to the sense of smell. Snorting, on the other hand, is more informal and often associated with slang or colloquial language, especially when referring to drug use.