What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shatter
Example
The vase fell to the ground and shattered into a million pieces. [shattered: past tense]
Example
The news of his death shattered her world. [shattered: verb]
smash
Example
He smashed the window with a rock. [smashed: past tense]
Example
The car smashed into the wall, causing significant damage. [smashed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Smash is more commonly used than shatter in everyday language, especially in contexts related to sports, accidents, or violence. Shatter is less common and is typically used in more specific contexts related to the breaking of brittle materials.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shatter and smash?
Both shatter and smash can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shatter may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with technical or scientific language related to the properties of materials.
