What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chat
Example
Let's sit down and have a chat over a cup of coffee. [chat: noun]
Example
She chatted with her neighbor about the upcoming neighborhood event. [chatted: past tense]
chitchat
Example
We engaged in some chitchat while waiting for the bus. [chitchat: noun]
Example
They chitchatted about the latest celebrity news. [chitchatted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chat is more commonly used than chitchat in everyday language. Chat is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while chitchat is less common and tends to be used in more casual and informal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chat and chitchat?
While chat can be used in both formal and informal contexts, chitchat is more informal and typically used in casual settings. It is important to consider the formality of the situation when choosing between the two words.
