What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cackling
Example
The witch was cackling loudly as she stirred her cauldron. [cackling: verb]
Example
The group of friends couldn't stop cackling at the funny joke. [cackling: present participle]
laughing
Example
The children were laughing uncontrollably at the silly clown. [laughing: verb]
Example
Her infectious laughing filled the room with joy. [laughing: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Laughing is more commonly used than cackling in everyday language. Laughing is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while cackling is less common and often used in specific situations where a loud, high-pitched, or mocking laughter is being described.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cackling and laughing?
While cackling is typically associated with a more informal or even negative tone, laughing is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the act of expressing amusement or joy.
