What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shiver
Example
I couldn't stop shivering in the cold wind. [shivering: present participle]
Example
The horror movie made me shiver with fear. [shiver: verb]
shake
Example
The earthquake made the ground shake violently. [shake: verb]
Example
He shook his head to indicate 'no'. [shook: past tense]
Example
She was so nervous that her voice shook during the presentation. [shook: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shake is more commonly used than shiver in everyday language. Shake is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shiver is less common and refers to a specific type of physical movement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shiver and shake?
Both shiver and shake can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but shake is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels.
