What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
yakking
Example
I can't stand listening to them yakking on and on about nothing. [yakking: present participle]
Example
She's always yakking away on her phone, even in public places. [yakking: gerund]
chattering
Example
The children were chattering excitedly about their upcoming trip to the zoo. [chattering: present participle]
Example
Her teeth were chattering from the cold wind blowing outside. [chattering: gerund]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chattering is less common than yakking in everyday language. Yakking is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while chattering is more specific and often used in certain situations, such as describing excited children or the sound of teeth chattering.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between yakking and chattering?
Neither yakking nor chattering are particularly formal words. However, yakking may be perceived as more informal due to its negative connotation, while chattering may be perceived as more neutral or even positive.
