What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
digging
Example
He was digging a hole in the backyard to plant a tree. [digging: verb]
Example
The archaeologist spent months digging through layers of soil to uncover ancient artifacts. [digging: gerund or present participle]
shoveling
Example
He was shoveling snow off the driveway after the winter storm. [shoveling: verb]
Example
The construction workers were shoveling gravel into the truck to transport it to the job site. [shoveling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shoveling is more commonly used than digging in everyday language. Shoveling is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, such as snow removal or construction, while digging is less common and often associated with gardening, landscaping, or excavation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between digging and shoveling?
Both digging and shoveling are informal terms that are commonly used in casual conversations. However, digging may be considered more formal when used in the context of excavation or archaeology.
