What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swimming
Example
I love swimming in the ocean during the summer. [swimming: gerund or present participle]
Example
She won a gold medal in swimming at the Olympics. [swimming: noun]
floating
Example
The buoy was floating in the water, bobbing up and down with the waves. [floating: verb]
Example
I like to spend my afternoons floating on a pool float and reading a book. [floating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swimming is a more common activity than floating, as it is a popular form of exercise, sport, and recreation. Floating is less common but can still be enjoyed as a relaxing activity.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between swimming and floating?
Both swimming and floating are casual and informal activities that can be enjoyed in various settings, from backyard pools to natural bodies of water. Neither is considered more formal than the other.
