What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jar
Example
The earthquake jarred the entire building. [jarred: past tense]
Example
I accidentally knocked over the jar of pickles and it shattered on the floor. [jar: noun]
jolt
Example
The car hit a pothole and gave us a jolt. [jolt: noun]
Example
The news of her sudden illness jolted us all. [jolted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jar is more commonly used than jolt in everyday language, especially when referring to containers or physical sensations. Jolt is less common but can be used in various contexts to describe sudden and intense experiences.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between jar and jolt?
Both jar and jolt are versatile words that can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, jar is more commonly used in everyday language and may be considered more informal than jolt.