What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tremble
Example
I was trembling with fear when I heard the loud noise. [trembling: verb]
Example
Her hands trembled as she held the fragile vase. [trembled: past tense]
Example
The ground trembled beneath our feet during the earthquake. [trembled: past tense]
tremor
Example
He suffers from Parkinson's disease, which causes tremors in his hands. [tremors: noun]
Example
The tremors in the ground continued for several minutes after the earthquake. [tremors: noun]
Example
She felt a slight tremor in her leg after the intense workout. [tremor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tremble is more commonly used than tremor in everyday language, especially in the context of emotions or physical reactions. Tremor is more commonly used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tremble and tremor?
Tremor is more formal and clinical in tone, while tremble is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.