What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wobble
Example
The table wobbled as I placed the heavy vase on it. [wobbled: past tense]
Example
The toddler wobbled as he tried to walk without support. [wobbled: verb]
Example
She wobbled on her decision to quit her job. [wobbled: past tense]
sway
Example
The trees swayed in the breeze. [swayed: past tense]
Example
The crowd swayed to the beat of the music. [swayed: verb]
Example
The politician tried to sway the voters with his promises. [sway: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sway is more commonly used than wobble in everyday language. Sway is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wobble is less common and often used in specific situations where instability or uncertainty is present.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wobble and sway?
Both wobble and sway can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but sway may be more commonly used in formal writing or speech due to its positive connotations of persuasion or influence.
