What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fluctuated
Example
The stock market fluctuated wildly throughout the day. [fluctuated: past tense]
Example
The number of COVID-19 cases has been fluctuating for weeks. [fluctuating: present participle]
oscillate
Example
The pendulum on the clock oscillated back and forth with each tick. [oscillated: past tense]
Example
The temperature in the room oscillated between hot and cold all night. [oscillated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fluctuate is more commonly used than oscillate in everyday language. Fluctuate is a more general term that covers a wider range of contexts, while oscillate is more specific and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fluctuated and oscillate?
While oscillate is typically associated with a more formal tone, fluctuate is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
