What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shushing
Example
The librarian shushed the noisy students in the library. [shushed: past tense]
Example
The mother shushed her baby to sleep. [shushing: gerund or present participle]
hushing
Example
The teacher hushed the class when the principal entered the room. [hushed: past tense]
Example
The detective hushed the details of the case to avoid media attention. [hushing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shushing is more commonly used than hushing in everyday language, especially in American English. Hushing is less common and may be more associated with British English.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shushing and hushing?
Hushing is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while shushing is more commonly used in informal situations and may be considered less formal.
