What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jabbering
Example
The children were jabbering excitedly about their new toys. [jabbering: verb]
Example
I couldn't understand what he was saying because he was jabbering too fast. [jabbering: gerund or present participle]
babbling
Example
The baby was babbling happily to herself. [babbling: verb]
Example
He was babbling on and on about nothing in particular. [babbling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Babbling is more commonly used than jabbering in everyday language. Babbling is often used to describe the speech of young children or people who are speaking without any clear purpose or direction. Jabbering, on the other hand, is less common and is often used to describe annoying or frustrating speech.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between jabbering and babbling?
Both jabbering and babbling are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.