What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shock
Example
I was in shock when I heard the news of the accident. [shock: noun]
Example
The loud explosion shocked everyone in the room. [shocked: past participle]
tremor
Example
The patient's hands were trembling with fear. [trembling: present participle]
Example
The tremors from the earthquake were felt throughout the city. [tremors: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shock is more commonly used than tremor in everyday language, especially in emotional or psychological contexts. Tremor is more commonly used in scientific or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shock and tremor?
Both shock and tremor can be used in formal and informal contexts, but tremor is more commonly used in technical or scientific writing, making it slightly more formal than shock.
