What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
glow
Example
The candles in the room cast a warm glow. [glow: noun]
Example
The sky was glowing with the colors of the sunset. [glowing: present participle]
shine
Example
The sun was shining brightly in the sky. [shine: verb]
Example
The silverware shone after being polished. [shone: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shine is more commonly used than glow in everyday language. Shine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while glow is less common and has a more specific usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between glow and shine?
Both glow and shine can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shine may be more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts due to its association with reflective surfaces and materials.
