What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whining
Example
The dog was whining all night long. [whining: verb]
Example
Stop whining and do your homework. [whining: gerund or present participle]
grumbling
Example
The old car engine was grumbling as it started up. [grumbling: verb]
Example
He was grumbling about the cold weather all day. [grumbling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Grumbling is more commonly used than whining in everyday language. Grumbling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while whining is less common and often associated with children or pets.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between whining and grumbling?
Both whining and grumbling are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
