What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swiping
Example
You can swipe left or right to browse through different profiles on the dating app. [swipe: verb]
Example
I swiped my credit card to pay for the groceries. [swiped: past tense]
Example
The cat swiped at the toy mouse with its paw. [swiped: past tense]
pinching
Example
Pinch the screen to zoom in on the map. [pinch: verb]
Example
I pinched the bridge of my nose to relieve the headache. [pinched: past tense]
Example
The crab pinched my finger with its claw. [pinched: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swiping is more commonly used than pinching in everyday language, especially in the context of technology and screens. Pinching is less common and is usually used in specific contexts, such as cooking or picking up small objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swiping and pinching?
Both swiping and pinching are informal words and are suitable for casual conversations or writing. However, swiping may be more commonly used in professional settings, such as discussing user interface design or mobile app development.