What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stalk
Example
The detective stalked the suspect through the dark alleyways. [stalked: past tense]
Example
The lion stalked its prey, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. [stalk: verb]
track
Example
The hiker tracked the deer's footprints through the forest. [tracked: past tense]
Example
The athlete ran around the track, trying to beat his personal best time. [track: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Track is more commonly used than stalk in everyday language. Track is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stalk is less common and is often reserved for specific situations such as criminal investigations or wildlife observation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stalk and track?
While stalk is typically associated with a negative and informal tone, track is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.