What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mumble
Example
He tends to mumble when he's nervous. [mumble: verb]
Example
I couldn't hear what she was saying because she was mumbling. [mumbling: gerund or present participle]
whisper
Example
She whispered the secret in my ear. [whisper: verb]
Example
The couple whispered sweet nothings to each other. [whispered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whisper is more commonly used than mumble in everyday language. Whisper is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mumble is less common and often has negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mumble and whisper?
Both mumble and whisper are typically associated with informal or casual language, but whisper can also be used in formal contexts to convey confidentiality or secrecy.
