What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unlocking
Example
I need to unlock the door before we can go inside. [unlock: verb]
Example
The IT department unlocked my account so I could access my email. [unlocked: past tense]
Example
The treasure chest was finally unlocked after many attempts. [unlocked: adjective]
unlatching
Example
She unlatched the gate and let the dog out. [unlatch: verb]
Example
I had to unlatch the window to let some fresh air in. [unlatch: verb]
Example
The suitcase was unlatched and ready to be opened. [unlatched: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unlocking is more commonly used than unlatching in everyday language. Unlocking is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unlatching is less common and refers to a specific type of physical action.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unlocking and unlatching?
Both unlocking and unlatching are typically associated with a neutral or informal tone, but unlocking may be used in more formal contexts due to its association with security measures.
