What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quiver
Example
The leaves on the tree quivered in the wind. [quivered: past tense]
Example
She felt a quiver of excitement as she opened the gift. [quiver: noun]
Example
He reached for his quiver to grab an arrow. [quiver: noun]
shake
Example
The earthquake shook the entire building. [shook: past tense]
Example
She was so cold that she couldn't stop shaking. [shaking: gerund or present participle]
Example
He made a delicious martini by shaking the ingredients together. [shaking: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shake is more commonly used than quiver in everyday language. Shake is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while quiver is more specific and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quiver and shake?
Both quiver and shake are relatively informal words, but quiver may be slightly more formal due to its association with archery and hunting.
