What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spiralling
Example
The cost of living is spiralling out of control. [spiralling: verb]
Example
The company's profits have been spiralling downwards for the past year. [spiralling: gerund or present participle]
spiral
Example
The staircase was designed in a spiral shape. [spiral: adjective]
Example
The airplane went into a spiral dive before crashing. [spiral: noun]
Example
The company's profits have been on a downward spiral for the past year. [spiral: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spiral is more commonly used than spiralling in everyday language, especially in formal contexts. Spiralling is less common and tends to be used more in informal contexts or in specific situations where a downward trend is being discussed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spiralling and spiral?
Spiral is generally considered more formal than spiralling, and is therefore more appropriate in academic or professional writing. However, both words can be used in a variety of contexts depending on the tone and style of the writing.
