What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
window shopping
Example
I love window shopping on weekends, just to see what's new. [window shopping: noun]
Example
She spent the afternoon window shopping, admiring the latest fashion trends. [window shopping: gerund or present participle]
browsing
Example
I was just browsing through the bookstore, not really looking for anything in particular. [browsing: verb]
Example
She spent hours browsing the internet for inspiration for her next project. [browsing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Browsing is more commonly used than window shopping in everyday language. Browsing is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while window shopping is less common and may be associated with luxury or extravagance.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between window shopping and browsing?
Both window shopping and browsing are relatively informal terms that can be used in casual conversations. However, browsing may be slightly more formal since it can also be used in professional contexts, such as browsing through job listings or research articles.