What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
staring
Example
She was staring at me with a blank expression. [staring: verb]
Example
He couldn't stop staring at the painting, mesmerized by its beauty. [staring: gerund or present participle]
gaping
Example
The audience was gaping in awe at the magician's performance. [gaping: verb]
Example
She stood there gaping at the sight of the accident, unable to move. [gaping: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Staring is more commonly used than gaping in everyday language. Staring is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gaping is less common and may be considered old-fashioned or outdated.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between staring and gaping?
While staring can be used in both formal and informal contexts, gaping is typically associated with a casual and informal tone and may be considered impolite or inappropriate in certain situations.
