What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stride
Example
He strode across the room with confidence. [strode: past tense]
Example
She took long strides to keep up with her friend. [strides: noun]
pace
Example
She walked at a brisk pace to get to work on time. [pace: noun]
Example
He paced back and forth in the waiting room, anxious for news. [paced: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pace is more commonly used than stride in everyday language. Pace is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stride is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stride and pace?
Both stride and pace can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, stride may be perceived as more formal due to its less common usage and more specific meaning.