What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swaying
Example
The trees were swaying in the breeze. [swaying: verb]
Example
She was swaying to the music, lost in the rhythm. [swaying: present participle]
wagging
Example
The dog's tail was wagging happily as he greeted his owner. [wagging: present participle]
Example
She wagged her finger at him, warning him not to do it again. [wagged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wagging is more commonly used than swaying in everyday language, especially in social or interpersonal contexts. Swaying is less common and is often used in more specific or poetic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swaying and wagging?
Both swaying and wagging are relatively informal words, but swaying may be slightly more formal due to its use in poetic or literary contexts.
