What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
chipping
Example
I accidentally chipped the corner of the glass when I dropped it. [chipped: past tense]
Example
He was chipping away at the wood to create a sculpture. [chipping: present participle]
shattering
Example
The vase fell off the shelf and shattered into a thousand pieces. [shattered: past tense]
Example
The loud explosion shattered the windows of nearby buildings. [shattering: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shattering is more commonly used than chipping in everyday language. Shattering is often used to describe the complete destruction of an object, while chipping is more specific to the act of breaking off small pieces.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between chipping and shattering?
Both chipping and shattering can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, shattering may be more commonly used in dramatic or intense situations, while chipping is more commonly used in casual or technical contexts.
