What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brandish
Example
The pirate brandished his sword, intimidating everyone on the ship. [brandished: past tense]
Example
She brandished the championship trophy, proudly showing it to the crowd. [brandishing: gerund or present participle]
shake
Example
He shook the bottle vigorously to mix the ingredients. [shook: past tense]
Example
Her voice shook with nervousness as she delivered her speech. [shook: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shake is more commonly used than brandish in everyday language. Shake is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while brandish is less common and more specific to situations involving weapons or showy displays.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between brandish and shake?
While brandish is typically associated with a more formal or dramatic tone, shake is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
