What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oscillate
Example
The pendulum oscillated back and forth. [oscillated: past tense]
Example
The temperature in the room oscillated between hot and cold. [oscillated: verb]
fluctuate
Example
The stock market prices fluctuated throughout the day. [fluctuated: past tense]
Example
Her weight has been fluctuating for the past few months. [fluctuating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fluctuate is more commonly used than oscillate in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Oscillate is less common and is often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between oscillate and fluctuate?
Both oscillate and fluctuate can be used in formal or informal contexts, but oscillate is more likely to be used in technical or scientific writing due to its specificity and precision.
