What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shuddering
Example
She was shuddering with fear as she watched the horror movie. [shuddering: verb]
Example
The sound of thunder made him shudder involuntarily. [shudder: adverb]
trembling
Example
Her hands were trembling with nervousness before the big presentation. [trembling: verb]
Example
He was trembling with fever and chills. [trembling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Trembling is more commonly used than shuddering in everyday language. Trembling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shuddering is less common and often associated with specific emotions or situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shuddering and trembling?
Both shuddering and trembling are typically associated with an informal tone. However, trembling can be used in more formal contexts, such as medical or scientific writing, while shuddering is less common in formal settings.
