What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
weathering
Example
The statue in the park has been weathered by years of exposure to the elements. [weathered: past participle]
Example
The rocky cliffs have been shaped by weathering over thousands of years. [weathering: noun]
erosion
Example
The river eroded the banks over time, changing the landscape. [eroded: past tense]
Example
The beach is constantly changing due to erosion from the waves. [erosion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Erosion is more commonly used than weathering in everyday language. Erosion is a more familiar term and is often used to describe the effects of natural forces on landscapes and coastlines.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between weathering and erosion?
Both weathering and erosion are scientific terms and are used in formal contexts such as geology and environmental science.
