What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
screaming
Example
The child was screaming in terror when she saw the spider. [screaming: verb]
Example
He started screaming at the top of his lungs when he saw the damage to his car. [screaming: present participle]
shouting
Example
I had to shout to be heard over the noise of the construction. [shout: verb]
Example
The protesters were shouting slogans and demanding justice. [shouting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shouting is more commonly used than screaming in everyday language. Shouting is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while screaming is less common and often associated with negative emotions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between screaming and shouting?
Both screaming and shouting are typically associated with an informal tone. However, shouting can be used in more formal contexts, such as giving a speech or commanding a military unit, while screaming is less likely to be used in formal situations.
