What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stalk
Example
The detective decided to stalk the suspect to gather more evidence. [stalk: verb]
Example
The lion stalked its prey, waiting for the right moment to attack. [stalked: past tense]
Example
The corn stalks were tall and green in the summer sun. [stalk: noun]
trail
Example
The hiker followed the trail through the woods to reach the summit. [trail: noun]
Example
The dog trailed the scent of the rabbit through the field. [trailed: past tense]
Example
The car left a trail of dust behind as it sped down the dirt road. [trail: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trail is more commonly used than stalk in everyday language. Trail is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stalk is less common and has negative connotations associated with criminal behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stalk and trail?
While trail is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, stalk is more formal and may be used in legal or investigative contexts.
