What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tinkering
Example
He spent the afternoon tinkering with his car's engine. [tinkering: verb]
Example
The engineer was always tinkering with new designs to improve efficiency. [tinkering: gerund or present participle]
fiddling
Example
Stop fiddling with your phone and pay attention to the lecture. [fiddling: verb]
Example
She spent the whole day fiddling with her hair, trying to get it just right. [fiddling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tinkering is more commonly used than fiddling in everyday language, especially in technical or mechanical contexts. Fiddling is less common and can have a more negative connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tinkering and fiddling?
While tinkering can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it is more commonly associated with technical or mechanical fields. Fiddling, on the other hand, is typically used in informal contexts and can have a more negative connotation.
