Driving refers to the act of using a vehicle, the driver of a vehicle is driving. Traveling by car more often refers to riding in a moving vehicle. In American English we also say that we are driving to a destination even if we will only be riding in the car, but not driving it.
In American English the verb drive is used to mean the act of operating a motor vehicle as well as the act of travel in a car. The verb and its conjugations are used frequently with many meanings when discussing any travel by vehicle.
Using Driving and Traveling in a Sentence
Here are some examples of using traveling in a sentence:
- How long have you been traveling?
- Will you spend time traveling?
- We love to travel together.
Here are some examples of using traveling by car in a sentence:
- With young kids it is easier to vacation when traveling by car.
- If you cannot afford to fly you may choose to travel by car.
- Traveling by car is safer than walking on a dark night.
Traveling by car is a very formal phrase in American English. It is not commonly used. American’s will usually say that they are driving.
Here are some examples of using drive in a sentence:
- I could not afford a plane ticket, so we will be driving.
- We drove for 8 hours that day.
- Driving with your family is a great way to vacation.
Drive is used to mean the act of operating a vehicle, and the act of traveling by car as a passenger.
This video shows one way driving is done in America.
Is drive a noun or a verb?
Drive can be used as a noun or a verb. In American English it is most often used as a verb meaning to operate a vehicle. It can be used as a noun when describing a trip taken by vehicle.
When someone is the driver in a vehicle, we say that they are driving.
Drive can be used as a noun to describe a trip that was taken by car. Some examples of drive as a noun:
- We took a trip to an apple farm, it was a very nice drive.
- I do not want to go for a drive on Sunday.
- I hope that we can enjoy the drive.
What is another word for travel?
If you want to say that you are traveling, but not driving, you may use one of the following words:
- Vacationing
- Exploring
- Taking a trip
- Jet Setting
What is another word for driving?
If you are driving a vehicle, you could also say that you are:
- Chauffeuring
- Pilot
- Operating
Words Related to Driving
If you are driving the car, you are called the driver.
If you are riding in the front seat, next to the driver you are called the passenger. This is sometimes called, riding shotgun.
Trying to correct the driver is called backseat driving.
When you are driving for a long time without any clear destination this is sometimes called cruising.
If you are taking a vacation by car this is often called a road trip.
Other definitions of Driving vs. Traveling
Traveling refers to movement of a person from one place to another. This can be done by walking, biking, driving a vehicle, public transportation and many other forms of transportation.
In the eyes of the law, driving is different from traveling.
This may be important where you live. The distinction comes when one is operating a vehicle without a driver’s licence.
Be sure to check your local laws carefully.
