What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stubbing
Example
I stubbed my toe on the coffee table and it hurts so much. [stubbed: past tense]
Example
He stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray before leaving. [stubbed: verb]
Example
She was busy stubbing the rose bushes in her garden. [stubbing: present participle]
tripping
Example
She tripped over the uneven pavement and fell down. [tripped: past tense]
Example
They are planning a trip to Europe next summer. [trip: noun]
Example
He turned on the light by tripping the switch with his foot. [tripping: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tripping is more commonly used than stubbing in everyday language. Tripping is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stubbing is less common and refers to a specific type of accidental action.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stubbing and tripping?
Both stubbing and tripping are informal words, but tripping can be used in more formal contexts when referring to travel or leisure activities.