What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whoosh
Example
The rocket whooshed into the sky. [whoosh: verb]
Example
The wind made a whooshing sound as it blew through the trees. [whooshing: present participle]
whiz
Example
The bullet whizzed past my ear. [whizzed: past tense]
Example
She's a whiz at math and can solve complex problems quickly. [whiz: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whiz is more commonly used than whoosh in everyday language. Whiz is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while whoosh is less common and is typically used in specific contexts related to air or water movement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between whoosh and whiz?
Both whoosh and whiz are informal words that are suitable for casual conversation or writing. However, whiz can also be used in more formal contexts to describe someone who is highly skilled or talented.