What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shook
Example
The earthquake shook the entire building. [shook: verb]
Example
I was so scared that I shook uncontrollably. [shook: past tense]
jolted
Example
The car jolted when it hit a pothole on the road. [jolted: verb]
Example
I was jolted awake by the loud thunder outside. [jolted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shook is more commonly used than jolted in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shook and jolted?
Both shook and jolted are informal words and are suitable for casual conversations or informal writing.
