What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quaking
Example
The ground was quaking beneath our feet during the earthquake. [quaking: verb]
Example
I was quaking with fear when I heard the loud noise. [quaking: present participle]
quivering
Example
Her voice was quivering with emotion as she spoke. [quivering: present participle]
Example
The leaves on the trees were quivering in the breeze. [quivering: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quivering is more commonly used than quaking in everyday language. Quivering is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while quaking is less common and usually associated with earthquakes or extreme fear.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between quaking and quivering?
Both quaking and quivering are relatively formal words, but quivering can also be used in informal contexts. Quaking is more specific and technical, often used in scientific or geological contexts.
