What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jolt
Example
The car hit a pothole and gave us a jolt. [jolt: noun]
Example
I was jolted awake by the loud thunderclap. [jolted: past tense verb]
shock
Example
The news of her sudden death was a shock to everyone. [shock: noun]
Example
He was shocked by the sight of the car accident. [shocked: past participle adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shock is more commonly used than jolt in everyday language. Shock is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while jolt is less common and more specific to situations involving sudden physical impacts or changes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between jolt and shock?
Both jolt and shock can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shock is more commonly used in formal writing and speech due to its broader range of meanings and associations with trauma and distress.
