What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wilt
Example
The flowers wilted in the hot sun. [wilt: verb]
Example
After a long day at work, I felt myself wilting with exhaustion. [wilting: gerund or present participle]
sag
Example
The old mattress sagged in the middle. [sagged: past tense]
Example
I need to work on my posture, as I tend to sag when I sit for too long. [sagging: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sag is more commonly used than wilt in everyday language. Sag is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wilt is less common and refers to a specific type of loss of shape or vitality.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between wilt and sag?
While wilt is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, sag is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.