What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
squalling
Example
The baby kept squalling all night long, keeping the parents awake. [squalling: verb]
Example
The squalling of the seagulls on the beach was deafening. [squalling: noun]
screeching
Example
The car screeched to a halt just in time to avoid hitting the pedestrian. [screeched: past tense]
Example
The screeching of the eagle echoed through the valley. [screeching: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Screeching is more commonly used than squalling in everyday language. Screeching is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while squalling is less common and refers to specific types of sounds made by babies or young children.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between squalling and screeching?
Both squalling and screeching are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
