What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spectate
Example
We decided to spectate the basketball game instead of playing. [spectate: verb]
Example
The crowd was spectating the concert with excitement. [spectating: gerund or present participle]
watch
Example
I like to watch the sunset from my balcony. [watch: verb]
Example
The security guard was watching the surveillance footage closely. [watching: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Watch is more commonly used than spectate in everyday language. Watch is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while spectate is less common and refers to a more specific type of observation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between spectate and watch?
Both spectate and watch are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
