What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mumbling
Example
He was mumbling something under his breath that I couldn't quite catch. [mumbling: verb]
Example
The teacher scolded the student for mumbling during the presentation. [mumbling: gerund or present participle]
grumbling
Example
The employees were grumbling about the new work schedule. [grumbling: verb]
Example
I could hear the grumbling of my stomach during the meeting. [grumbling: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grumbling is more commonly used than mumbling in everyday language. Grumbling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mumbling is less common and usually associated with speech difficulties or shyness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mumbling and grumbling?
Both mumbling and grumbling are informal words and are not suitable for formal contexts. They are best used in casual conversations or informal writing.
