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. [mumbling: verb]
Example
I couldn't understand what he was saying because he was mumbling. [mumbling: present participle]
muttering
Example
She was muttering to herself as she walked down the street. [muttering: verb]
Example
I could hear him muttering something, but I couldn't make out the words. [muttering: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mumbling and muttering are both commonly used in everyday language, but mumbling may be more common in contexts where unclear speech is a concern, such as in discussions of speech therapy or hearing loss. Muttering may be more common in contexts where expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance is relevant, such as in discussions of interpersonal communication or customer service.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mumbling and muttering?
Both mumbling and muttering are informal words and are not typically used in formal settings. However, muttering may be slightly more formal than mumbling due to its association with expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance, which may be relevant in certain professional contexts.
