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 as they tried to board the train. [jostled: past tense]
Example
I had to jostle my way through the crowd to get to the front of the stage. [jostle: verb]
shove
Example
He shoved me out of the way to get to the door first. [shoved: past tense]
Example
She gave him a hard shove to get his attention. [shove: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shove is more commonly used than jostle in everyday language. Shove is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while jostle is less common and more specific to situations where people are in close proximity and making incidental contact.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between jostle and shove?
Both jostle and shove are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, shove may be considered more impolite or aggressive than jostle.
