What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sulking
Example
After losing the game, he spent the rest of the day sulking in his room. [sulking: verb]
Example
She was in a sulk after her friends didn't invite her to the party. [sulk: noun]
grumbling
Example
He was grumbling about the long wait at the doctor's office. [grumbling: verb]
Example
There was a constant grumbling among the employees about the new policy. [grumbling: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grumbling is more commonly used than sulking in everyday language. Grumbling is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while sulking is less common and often associated with children or immature behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sulking and grumbling?
Both sulking and grumbling are informal words that are not typically used in formal contexts. However, grumbling may be more acceptable in certain situations, such as expressing dissatisfaction with a product or service, while sulking is generally not appropriate in any formal setting.
