What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
grumble
Example
He grumbled about the poor service at the restaurant. [grumbled: verb]
Example
The old man grumbled to himself as he shuffled down the street. [grumbled: past tense]
mutter
Example
She muttered something under her breath as she walked away. [muttered: verb]
Example
He heard his coworkers muttering about him behind his back. [muttering: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grumble is more commonly used than mutter in everyday language. Grumble is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while mutter is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between grumble and mutter?
Both grumble and mutter are informal words that are typically used in casual conversation. However, grumble can be used in more formal contexts to express dissatisfaction or criticism, while mutter is generally considered too informal for formal settings.
