What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mutter
Example
He muttered something under his breath as he walked away. [muttered: past tense verb]
Example
She always mutters when she's upset about something. [muttering: present participle]
whisper
Example
She whispered the answer to me so no one else could hear. [whispered: past tense verb]
Example
He leaned in close and whispered something in her ear. [whispering: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whisper is more commonly used than mutter in everyday language. Whisper is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mutter is less common and often has a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mutter and whisper?
While whisper can be used in both formal and informal contexts, mutter is typically associated with an informal and negative tone.
