What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
squeak
Example
The old wooden stairs squeaked under my feet. [squeaked: past tense]
Example
The mouse squeaked as it ran across the kitchen floor. [squeaked: verb]
whine
Example
The dog whined at the door, wanting to go outside. [whined: past tense]
Example
Stop whining and do your homework. [whining: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whine is more commonly used than squeak in everyday language. Whine is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while squeak is less common and refers to specific sounds made by objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between squeak and whine?
While squeak is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, whine can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in various formality levels.
