What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shoehorned
Example
The company shoehorned the new policy into the meeting agenda. [shoehorned: verb]
Example
The joke felt shoehorned into the conversation and didn't really fit. [shoehorned: adjective]
cram
Example
We had to cram all our luggage into the tiny car trunk. [cram: verb]
Example
The teacher crammed three chapters into one class period. [crammed: past tense]
Example
I have to cram for my exam tomorrow. [cram: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cram is more commonly used than shoehorned in everyday language. Cram is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shoehorned is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shoehorned and cram?
Both shoehorned and cram are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, cram can also be used in academic or professional settings to describe intensive studying or work schedules.
