What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shuddered
Example
She shuddered at the thought of going back to that haunted house. [shuddered: verb]
Example
The gruesome scene made him shudder with disgust. [shudder: noun]
shiver
Example
I couldn't stop shivering in the freezing weather. [shivering: gerund or present participle]
Example
The unexpected news sent a shiver down her spine. [shiver: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shiver is more commonly used than shuddered in everyday language. Shiver is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shuddered is less common and refers to a specific type of involuntary movement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shuddered and shiver?
Both shuddered and shiver are relatively formal words and are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, shiver is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.