What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swaying
Example
The trees were swaying in the wind. [swaying: present participle]
Example
She was swaying her hips to the rhythm of the music. [swaying: gerund]
shaking
Example
I was shaking with fear when I saw the spider. [shaking: verb]
Example
She shook the bottle to mix the ingredients. [shook: past tense]
Example
He was shaking his head to say 'no'. [shaking: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shaking is more commonly used than swaying in everyday language. Shaking is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while swaying is less common and refers to a more specific type of movement.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between swaying and shaking?
Both swaying and shaking can be used in formal and informal contexts, but swaying may be considered more poetic or literary due to its association with nature and music.
