What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shine
Example
The sun was shining brightly in the sky. [shine: verb]
Example
The polished silverware shone in the candlelight. [shone: past participle]
Example
Her eyes shone with excitement as she talked about her new job. [shone: verb]
sparkle
Example
The stars sparkled in the night sky. [sparkled: verb]
Example
Her eyes sparkled with joy when she saw her surprise party. [sparkled: verb]
Example
The champagne had a delightful sparkle to it. [sparkle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shine is more commonly used than sparkle in everyday language. Shine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sparkle is less common and is usually used in specific contexts such as describing jewelry or drinks.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shine and sparkle?
Both shine and sparkle can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shine is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, including technical or scientific contexts.
