What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shivering
Example
I was shivering in the cold wind. [shivering: verb]
Example
The thought of public speaking made her shiver. [shiver: verb]
Example
He had a high fever and was shivering uncontrollably. [shivering: gerund or present participle]
trembling
Example
She was trembling with excitement when she won the prize. [trembling: verb]
Example
His legs were trembling after running a marathon. [trembling: gerund or present participle]
Example
The patient was trembling due to Parkinson's disease. [trembling: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trembling is more commonly used than shivering in everyday language. Trembling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shivering is less common and refers to a specific bodily reaction to cold temperatures or illness.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shivering and trembling?
Both shivering and trembling are typically associated with an informal tone, but they can be used in formal contexts when describing medical conditions or scientific research.
