What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
snowing
Example
It's snowing heavily outside, so we should stay indoors. [snowing: present participle]
Example
I love watching the snowflakes gently snowing down from the sky. [snowing: gerund]
snowfall
Example
The city received a heavy snowfall last night, causing traffic disruptions. [snowfall: noun]
Example
The snowfall this winter has been much higher than usual. [snowfall: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Snowfall is more commonly used than snowing in everyday language. Snowfall is a versatile word that can be used to describe the amount of snow that has fallen in a particular area or during a specific period. Snowing is less common and is usually used to describe the current weather condition when snow is falling.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between snowing and snowfall?
Both snowing and snowfall are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
