What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shouldering
Example
He was shouldering a heavy backpack on his way to the campsite. [shouldering: verb]
Example
She was shouldering the responsibility of organizing the charity event. [shouldering: gerund or present participle]
heaving
Example
The workers were heaving the heavy boxes onto the truck. [heaving: verb]
Example
She was heaving with exhaustion after running the marathon. [heaving: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Heaving is less commonly used than shouldering in everyday language. Shouldering is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while heaving is more specific and often used in more intense or dramatic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shouldering and heaving?
Both shouldering and heaving can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shouldering is generally associated with a more formal tone due to its connotation of responsibility and leadership.
