What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
yawing
Example
The boat was yawing in the rough sea. [yawing: verb]
Example
The car started yawing off the road. [yawing: gerund or present participle]
swaying
Example
The trees were swaying in the wind. [swaying: verb]
Example
She was swaying to the music with her eyes closed. [swaying: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swaying is more commonly used than yawing in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and has a more positive connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between yawing and swaying?
Both yawing and swaying are relatively formal words, but yawing is more technical and specific to nautical or aviation contexts, while swaying is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
