What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rattle
Example
The windows rattled as the train passed by. [rattled: verb]
Example
She was so nervous that her hands began to rattle. [rattle: verb]
Example
The old car rattled down the bumpy road. [rattled: verb]
shake
Example
He shook his head in disbelief. [shook: past tense]
Example
She shook the bottle to mix the ingredients. [shook: past tense]
Example
The little dog was shaking with fear during the thunderstorm. [shaking: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shake is more commonly used than rattle in everyday language. Shake is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rattle is less common and often used in specific contexts related to sound or machinery.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rattle and shake?
Both rattle and shake can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but rattle may be more associated with technical or specialized language related to machinery or sound production.
