What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cram
Example
I need to cram for my final exams this week. [cram: verb]
Example
The suitcase was crammed with clothes and souvenirs. [crammed: past participle]
Example
He managed to cram all his belongings into one backpack. [cram: verb]
squeeze
Example
She squeezed the lemon to get some juice. [squeezed: past tense]
Example
The car barely squeezed through the narrow alley. [squeeze: verb]
Example
I managed to squeeze in some time for a quick workout. [squeeze: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Squeeze is more commonly used than cram in everyday language. Squeeze is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cram is less common and mainly used in academic or educational settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cram and squeeze?
Both cram and squeeze are informal words, but cram may be more commonly used in academic or educational contexts, which can make it sound more formal in those situations.