What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gab
Example
Let's get together and gab over coffee. [gab: verb]
Example
The girls had a fun gabfest about their weekend plans. [gabfest: noun]
chatter
Example
The children were chattering excitedly about the upcoming field trip. [chattering: present participle]
Example
The colleagues engaged in a lively chatter during their lunch break. [chatter: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chatter is more commonly used than gab in everyday language. Chatter is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gab is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gab and chatter?
Both gab and chatter are informal and casual words that are not typically used in formal settings. However, chatter can be more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while gab is more limited in its usage.