What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
songwriting
Example
She is a talented songwriter who has written many hit songs. [songwriter: noun]
Example
I spent all night songwriting and came up with a great chorus. [songwriting: gerund or present participle]
composing
Example
Beethoven is known for composing some of the most famous classical music pieces. [composing: verb]
Example
She is a talented composer who has written music for several films. [composer: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Composing is a more formal term and is commonly used in classical music or other formal settings. Songwriting is more commonly used in popular music or informal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between songwriting and composing?
Composing is generally considered more formal than songwriting, as it is often associated with classical music or other formal settings. However, both terms can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.