What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fidget
Example
He couldn't stop fidgeting during the meeting, tapping his pen and shuffling papers. [fidgeting: gerund or present participle]
Example
She fidgeted with her necklace while waiting for the doctor's appointment. [fidgeted: past tense]
shuffle
Example
The old man shuffled across the room, leaning on his cane. [shuffled: past tense]
Example
She shuffled the cards before dealing them to the players. [shuffled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shuffle is more commonly used than fidget in everyday language. Shuffle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fidget is less common and often associated with specific situations or behaviors.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fidget and shuffle?
Both fidget and shuffle are informal words, but fidget may be considered more casual and colloquial than shuffle.
