What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
soaring
Example
The eagle soared high above the mountains. [soared: past tense]
Example
The company's profits have been soaring since they launched their new product. [soaring: present participle]
ascending
Example
The hikers were ascending the steep trail to the summit. [ascending: present participle]
Example
The athlete's performance has been steadily ascending over the past few months. [ascending: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ascending is more commonly used than soaring in everyday language. Ascending is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while soaring is less common and refers to specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between soaring and ascending?
Both soaring and ascending can be used in formal and informal contexts, but soaring may be more associated with a dramatic or poetic tone, while ascending can be more neutral or technical.