What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
zap
Example
I accidentally zapped myself while fixing the wiring. [zap: verb]
Example
The bug zapper effectively zaps mosquitoes and other insects. [zaps: third person singular simple present]
jolt
Example
The car hit a pothole and gave us a jolt. [jolt: noun]
Example
The turbulence jolted the passengers in their seats. [jolted: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jolt is more commonly used than zap in everyday language. Jolt is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while zap is less common and often used in specific technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between zap and jolt?
Both zap and jolt are informal words, but zap can be considered more technical or scientific due to its association with electricity and technology.
