What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whirred
Example
The motor whirred quietly as it ran. [whirred: verb]
Example
The sound of the whirring fan was soothing in the hot weather. [whirring: gerund or present participle]
whizzed
Example
The ball whizzed past the goalkeeper and into the net. [whizzed: verb]
Example
The whizzing sound of the arrow was heard before it hit the target. [whizzing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whirred is more commonly used than whizzed in everyday language. Whirred is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while whizzed is less common and tends to be used in specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between whirred and whizzed?
Both whirred and whizzed are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, whirred can also be used in formal contexts when describing the sound of machinery or engines.