What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cramped
Example
The apartment was so cramped that they could barely move around. [cramped: adjective]
Example
She felt cramped in the tiny airplane seat. [cramped: past participle]
tight
Example
The lid was screwed on tight and wouldn't budge. [tight: adverb]
Example
He felt tight in his chest after running the marathon. [tight: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tight is more commonly used than cramped in everyday language. Tight is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cramped is less common and refers specifically to a space that is too small.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cramped and tight?
Both cramped and tight are typically associated with an informal tone, but tight can also be used in formal contexts depending on the context and usage.
