What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surveillance
Example
The police have increased surveillance in the area to prevent crime. [surveillance: noun]
Example
The security camera is used for surveillance of the parking lot. [surveillance: adjective]
watching
Example
I was watching the sunset from my balcony. [watching: verb]
Example
The lifeguard was watching the swimmers closely. [watching: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Watching is more commonly used than surveillance in everyday language. Watching is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while surveillance is more specific and often associated with security or law enforcement.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between surveillance and watching?
Surveillance is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while watching can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and purpose.
