What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elbowing
Example
He was elbowing his way through the crowd to get to the front. [elbowing: verb]
Example
She gave him a quick elbowing to let him know she was talking to him. [elbowing: gerund or present participle]
shoving
Example
He was shoving people out of his way to get to the exit. [shoving: verb]
Example
She got so angry that she started shoving everyone around her. [shoving: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shoving is more commonly used than elbowing in everyday language. Shoving is a more forceful and direct action, which makes it more common in situations where physical confrontation is involved. Elbowing is less common and is often used in specific contexts, such as sports or crowded areas.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elbowing and shoving?
Both elbowing and shoving are informal words that are not appropriate for formal situations. However, shoving is generally considered more aggressive and confrontational, making it even less appropriate for formal contexts.
