What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wade
Example
I had to wade through the shallow part of the river to get to the other side. [wade: verb]
Example
The children were wading in the pond, looking for frogs. [wading: gerund or present participle]
paddle
Example
We paddled our canoe down the river, enjoying the scenery. [paddled: past tense]
Example
The kids were paddling around in the pool, having fun. [paddling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Paddle is more commonly used than wade in everyday language. Paddle is versatile and covers a wide range of water activities, while wade is less common and refers to a specific type of water movement.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between wade and paddle?
While wade is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, paddle can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
