What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
straggled
Example
The hikers straggled up the mountain, with some taking longer breaks than others. [straggled: verb]
Example
The flowers in the garden were straggled all over the place, making it difficult to appreciate their beauty. [straggled: adjective]
trailed
Example
The dog trailed behind its owner, wagging its tail happily. [trailed: verb]
Example
The hiking trail was well-trailed, making it easy for beginners to follow. [trailed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trailed is more commonly used than straggled in everyday language, as it is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between straggled and trailed?
Both straggled and trailed are relatively informal words, but trailed can be used in more formal contexts than straggled due to its versatility.
