What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shivered
Example
I shivered in the cold wind as I walked home. [shivered: past tense]
Example
She shivered with fear when she heard the loud noise. [shivered: past participle]
quiver
Example
The leaves on the tree quivered in the wind. [quivered: past tense]
Example
He felt a quiver of excitement as he opened the present. [quiver: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quiver is less common than shivered in everyday language. Shivered is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while quiver is more specific and often used in more poetic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shivered and quiver?
Both shivered and quiver are relatively informal words, but quiver may be slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage in everyday language.