What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shush
Example
The librarian shushed the noisy students in the library. [shushed: past tense]
Example
She put her finger to her lips and shushed the children so they wouldn't wake up the baby. [shush: verb]
quiet
Example
The house was quiet after everyone went to bed. [quiet: adjective]
Example
He asked the students to be quiet during the exam. [quiet: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Quiet is more commonly used than shush in everyday language. Quiet is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while shush is less common and is typically used in specific situations where silence is urgently needed.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shush and quiet?
Both shush and quiet are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, quiet can also be used in formal contexts, while shush is more likely to be used in informal settings.