Death is something that no living thing can avoid…at least yet. Until science and cloning technology gets to a point where immortality is on the table, we are dealing with this reality. However, is it correct to say “dieing” or “dying”? It turns out these similar words have completely different meanings. This article will show you exactly how to use “dieing” and “dying”.
Dieing or dying – Which Is Grammatically Correct?
It’s no secret that English can be a confusing language. Especially with similar words out there like who or whom. Even native speakers sometimes have trouble keeping up with all the different grammar rules.
When it comes to the question of dieing vs dying: Dying is almost always the correct answer. However, in the right context, BOTH words can be correct.
- “Dying” – The present participle form of the verb “to die,” which means death.
- “Dieing” – The word dieing refers to forming sheet metal by cutting or stamping it.
The spelling “dieing” is far from common. Unless you have experience working in a metal forging factory or have operated a die-cut machine, you likely were not aware of this meaning at all! If you can’t wrap your head around this spelling rule, then use our FREE spell checker instead!
Takeaway: “Dying” refers to death. “Dieing” usually refers to forming of sheet metal.
Proper Use of Dying
There are two main ways to use “dying” in your writing. The verb form is the most popular. Small spelling differences can make a huge difference in the meaning of a word or sentence. Take phonics vs phonetics for example.
When you use the word “dying” in a sentence, you’re typically referring to the present participle of the verb “die”. In other words, you’re describing someone or something that is in the process of ceasing to exist.
Here are some examples of how to use dying as a present tense verb.
- Far too many children are dying from preventable diseases is this world.
- It saddens me to admit that my dog is dying.
- My grandmother is dying from an incurable disease.
However, the word can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is near death or on the brink of extinction.
Here are some examples of how to use dying as an adjective that describes something.
- I’ll never forget the dying moments of President Obama’s passionate speech.
- Dinosaurs are a dying species.
- In my Uncle’s dying words he wished that I continue to run his auto shop business.
Proper Use of Dieing
You may have come across the word dieing while reading. For example, “it saddens me to admit that my childhood pet is dieing.” However, that sentence is NOT considered to be grammatically correct.
“Dieing” and dying may have the same pronunciation, but they have different meanings. “Dieing” is a totally unrelated process. Even a tiny spelling mistake can be a huge difference, take ware vs wear for example.
- In fact, “dieing” is the process of cutting and forming metal. In a die shop, workers use dies to cut and shape metal into the desired final product.
- The term “dieing” can also refer to the process of making dies. This involves using special tools and machines to cut and form the metal into the desired shape.
Takeaway: “Dieing” is a tool for cutting and forming metal, and it can also refer to the process of making dies.
Dyeing or Dying
There is yet another word that is frequently confused by people in their writing for “dying”. The word “dyeing” has a totally different definition. Just like “your vs you’re welcome“, small spelling mistakes can make a real difference. Sometimes Microsoft word picks “dyeing” as a spelling error, but it is a real word.
These words are often used in the past tense. But you need to know the difference between past and past participle to really master the grammar rules for dying!
“Dyeing” should be used as the present participle of the verb “dye”. It usually involves changing the color of something (shirt, hair, etc.) using a liquid.
For example:
- My mom is at the mall right now dyeing her hair.
- I don’t like the color of this shirt anymore; I’m thinking about dyeing it.
- This fabric is perfect for dyeing.
Popularity Analysis
By reviewing the data from Google’s N-Gram Viewer you can see that “dying” is used far more frequently than “dieing” in published writing. The usage of “dying” as the correct spelling is more prevalent than “dieing” due to several factors. The main reason is that “dieing” is not a word & has never been an acceptable form of spelling in the English language.
Synonyms For Dying
Below is a list of synonyms for the word “dying”. These can be used to add variety and nuance to your writing. However, it’s important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate synonym based on the specific context of your writing or conversation.
- Expiring
- Perishing
- Passing away
- Departing
- Fading away
- Succumbing
- Demise
Just like we saw in our post about the phrase “looking forward to seeing you“, synonyms are important to add variety to your writing!
FAQs – How do you spell dying?
Dieing refers to the act of cutting metal using a die cut machine. This process is commonly used to create identical parts or to mass-produce complex shapes. In order for the machine to work properly, the metal must be hardened so that it can withstand the force of the die cutter.
Dying and dieing are different words. Dying means that a living thing is ceasing to exist. Dieing is using a die cut machine to share or cut metal.
No, “dying” is the present participle form of the verb die. The past tense of die is “died”. For example, “my dog died last year”. Using dying to indicate past tense is a common misspelling.
If you are trying to say that a living thing is in the process of no longer living, “dying” is the correct spelling. The word dying is used to indicate that something will cease to exist.
Dyeing is the process of using dyes or pigments on textile materials such as fabrics to change their color. The dye is normally applied by soaking the fabric in a dye bath, but it can also be painted on, sprayed on, embroidered onto, or printed onto the fabric. The dyeing process is totally different that the dying process.
Die is a verb meaning “to cease living”. Dying is the present participle of die or an adjective meaning the point of death or extinction. Both are verb forms but have different meanings.
The Bottom Line
Now you know the difference between these two tricky words. Remember, “dying” is referring to death & “dieing” is referring to a fabrication process of cutting & shaping metal. In most cases, “dying” is the word you are looking for. Use these tips to elevate your writing skills and avoid making silly spelling mistakes.