What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swirling
Example
The leaves were swirling around in the wind. [swirling: verb]
Example
She felt like she was swirling in a sea of emotions. [swirling: gerund or present participle]
whirling
Example
The dancers were whirling around the room in a blur of color. [whirling: verb]
Example
He felt like his head was whirling after the rollercoaster ride. [whirling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swirling and whirling are both less common words, but whirling is slightly more common than swirling.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swirling and whirling?
Both swirling and whirling are informal words, but swirling may be slightly more formal due to its use in scientific contexts to describe the movement of fluids or gases.
