What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swipe
Example
You can swipe left or right to switch between apps on your phone. [swipe: verb]
Example
She swiped the papers off the table in frustration. [swiped: past tense]
Example
He swiped my pen without asking and never returned it. [swiped: past participle]
slide
Example
The ball slid across the floor and hit the wall. [slide: verb]
Example
She slid the book onto the shelf. [slid: past tense]
Example
He loves to slide down the hill on his sled during winter. [slide: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swipe is more commonly used in the context of technology and touchscreens, while slide is more versatile and can be used in various contexts such as sports, furniture, and playground equipment.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swipe and slide?
Both swipe and slide are relatively informal words, but swipe may be perceived as more casual due to its association with technology and social media.