What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
waggle
Example
The dog wagged its tail excitedly when it saw its owner. [wagged: past tense]
Example
She wagged her finger at him, scolding him for his behavior. [wagging: gerund or present participle]
wave
Example
He waved to his friend across the street. [waved: past tense]
Example
The waves crashed against the shore, creating a soothing sound. [waves: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wave is more commonly used than waggle in everyday language. Wave is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and formality levels, while waggle is less common and may be considered informal or slang.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between waggle and wave?
While wave is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, waggle is typically associated with a more casual or humorous tone and may not be appropriate in formal settings.