What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
muttered
Example
He muttered something under his breath as he walked away. [muttered: verb]
Example
She muttered her complaints about the service throughout the entire meal. [muttered: past tense]
mumbled
Example
He mumbled his apologies for being late. [mumbled: verb]
Example
The teacher asked him to speak up because he was mumbling. [mumbling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mumbled is more commonly used than muttered in everyday language. Mumbled is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while muttered is less common and has a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between muttered and mumbled?
Both muttered and mumbled are informal words, but muttered can be used in slightly more formal contexts than mumbled, such as in professional settings where expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance is appropriate.
