What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clamour
Example
The protesters outside the government building were making a clamour for justice. [clamour: noun]
Example
The children clamoured for their parents' attention as soon as they entered the room. [clamoured: past tense verb]
commotion
Example
There was a commotion in the street when the fire alarm went off. [commotion: noun]
Example
The arrival of the celebrity caused a commotion among the fans, who rushed to get a glimpse of them. [commotion: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Commotion is more commonly used than clamour in everyday language. Commotion is a versatile word that can be used to describe various types of disturbances and disruptions, while clamour is less common and often used in specific contexts related to protests or demands.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clamour and commotion?
Both clamour and commotion are generally informal words. However, clamour may have a slightly more formal tone due to its association with protests or demands, while commotion can be used in both formal and informal contexts.