What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stoking
Example
He was stoking the fireplace with logs to keep the room warm. [stoking: verb]
Example
The fire was dying down, so she began stoking it to bring back the flames. [stoking: gerund or present participle]
feed
Example
She feeds her cat twice a day. [feed: verb]
Example
The farmer was feeding the cows hay in the barn. [feeding: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Feed is more commonly used than stoke in everyday language. Feed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stoke is less common and refers specifically to maintaining a fire.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stoking and feed?
Both stoke and feed can be used in formal and informal contexts, but feed is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations.