What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whinnied
Example
The horse whinnied when it saw its owner approaching. [whinnied: past tense]
Example
I could hear the horses whinnying in the distance. [whinnying: present participle]
neighed
Example
The horse neighed loudly as it ran towards the other horses. [neighed: past tense]
Example
I could hear the horses neighing in the barn. [neighing: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Neighed is more commonly used than whinnied in everyday language. Neighed is a more versatile word that can be used to describe a wider range of horse sounds and emotions, while whinnied is a more specific word that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between whinnied and neighed?
Both whinnied and neighed are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversation or writing. Neither word is considered particularly formal or academic.
