What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
splashing
Example
The kids were splashing around in the pool, having a great time. [splashing: verb]
Example
I accidentally splashed water all over the floor while doing the dishes. [splashed: past tense]
spraying
Example
The gardener was spraying the plants with insecticide to keep pests away. [spraying: gerund]
Example
I sprayed some perfume on my wrist before going out. [sprayed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spraying is more commonly used than splashing in everyday language. Spraying is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while splashing is less common and refers to a specific type of action involving water.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between splashing and spraying?
Both splashing and spraying are informal words, but spraying may be used in more formal contexts when referring to the application of substances or cleaning surfaces.