What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
murmuring
Example
The murmuring of the crowd in the library was a peaceful background noise. [murmuring: noun]
Example
She was murmuring to herself as she worked on her painting. [murmuring: verb]
muttering
Example
He was muttering under his breath about the slow service at the restaurant. [muttering: verb]
Example
I could hear the muttering of the students as they left the classroom after the exam. [muttering: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Muttering is more commonly used than murmuring in everyday language. Muttering is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while murmuring is less common and refers to a specific type of soft sound.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between murmuring and muttering?
Both murmuring and muttering are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
