What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jostle
Example
The commuters jostled each other to get on the train. [jostled: past tense]
Example
I was jostled by the crowd while walking through the busy street. [jostle: verb]
jolt
Example
The car hit a pothole and gave us a jolt. [jolt: noun]
Example
The news of her father's death jolted her out of her complacency. [jolted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jostle and jolt are both less common words in everyday language, but jolt is more commonly used than jostle. Jolt is often used to describe a sudden and unpleasant experience, while jostle is used to describe a physical contact in a crowded place.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between jostle and jolt?
Both jostle and jolt are informal words, but jolt can be used in formal contexts to describe a sudden and unexpected event.
