What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shrink
Example
The sweater shrank in the wash. [shrank: past tense]
Example
I tend to shrink away from confrontation. [shrink: verb]
Example
The company's profits have shrunk over the past year. [shrunk: past participle]
contract
Example
The metal contract when exposed to cold temperatures. [contract: verb]
Example
We signed a contract for the sale of our house. [contract: noun]
Example
The athlete's muscles contracted during the exercise. [contracted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Contract is more commonly used than shrink in technical or legal contexts, while shrink is more versatile and can be used in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shrink and contract?
Contract is more formal than shrink due to its frequent use in legal or technical contexts.
