What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
oscillate
Example
The fan oscillated from side to side, providing a cool breeze. [oscillated: verb]
Example
The stock market prices oscillated wildly throughout the day. [oscillated: past tense]
vibrate
Example
The phone vibrated in my pocket, indicating a new message. [vibrated: verb]
Example
The earthquake caused the ground to vibrate violently. [vibrate: infinitive]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vibrate is more commonly used than oscillate in everyday language. Vibrate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while oscillate is less common and often used in technical or scientific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between oscillate and vibrate?
Oscillate is typically associated with a more formal tone, while vibrate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
