What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stacking
Example
He was stacking the books on the shelf. [stacking: verb]
Example
The workers were stacking bricks to build a wall. [stacking: gerund or present participle]
piling
Example
She was piling up the dirty dishes in the sink. [piling: verb]
Example
The construction crew was piling the steel beams to create a foundation. [piling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Stacking is more commonly used in everyday language than piling. Stacking is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while piling is more specific to construction or foundation-building contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stacking and piling?
Both stacking and piling can be used in formal and informal contexts, but stacking is generally associated with a more organized and precise tone, while piling can be associated with a more rough or haphazard tone.
