What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shuffle
Example
He shuffled his feet as he walked down the hallway. [shuffle: verb]
Example
The couple enjoyed shuffling their feet to the music at the party. [shuffling: gerund or present participle]
scuffle
Example
The two boys scuffled in the playground over a toy. [scuffle: verb]
Example
She had a scuffle with her neighbor over the parking spot. [scuffle: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shuffle is more commonly used than scuffle in everyday language. Shuffle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scuffle is less common and is mostly used to describe physical altercations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shuffle and scuffle?
Both shuffle and scuffle are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, scuffle is more associated with negative connotations and should be avoided in polite or professional settings.