What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cooing
Example
The doves were cooing in the tree outside my window. [cooing: verb]
Example
She was cooing to her baby to calm him down. [cooing: gerund or present participle]
whispering
Example
She whispered in my ear so that no one else could hear. [whispered: past tense]
Example
They were whispering about their plans for the surprise party. [whispering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whispering is more commonly used than cooing in everyday language. Whispering is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while cooing is less common and more specific to certain situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cooing and whispering?
Both cooing and whispering can be used in informal and formal contexts, depending on the situation. However, whispering may be more commonly used in formal settings to convey confidentiality or secrecy.
