What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surfed
Example
I surfed the internet for hours looking for the perfect recipe. [surfed: past tense]
Example
He was surfing the web when he stumbled upon an interesting article. [surfing: gerund or present participle]
browse
Example
I like to browse through bookstores and see what catches my eye. [browse: verb]
Example
She spent the afternoon browsing the shops downtown. [browsing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Browse is more commonly used than surf in everyday language. Browse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while surf is less common and refers specifically to online activities.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between surfed and browse?
While surf is typically associated with a more informal tone, browse is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.