What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
involuntarily
Example
She involuntarily flinched when the loud noise startled her. [involuntarily: adverb]
Example
The patient's leg twitched involuntarily due to the nerve damage. [involuntarily: adverb]
unconsciously
Example
He unconsciously tapped his foot while waiting for the meeting to start. [unconsciously: adverb]
Example
She unconsciously hummed a tune while doing her work. [unconsciously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unconsciously is more commonly used in everyday language than involuntarily, which is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between involuntarily and unconsciously?
Involuntarily is more formal than unconsciously, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
