quivering

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "quivering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is shaking or vibrating with a small, rapid movement. For example, "The quivering hand of the elderly man trembled as he gripped his cane."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The hardest thing of all to see is what is really there," observed JA Baker in The Peregrine (1967), a book that brilliantly shows how such seeing might occur in language, written as it is in prose that has "the quivering intensity of an arrow thudding into a tree".

The Guardian - Books

And so my tiny, mimsy, quivering hand is raised, along with many others, more and more.

The Guardian

The Labour politician Roy Mason, who has died aged 91, was a small and dapper but pugnacious man, proud of his mining heritage, whose characteristic pout of the lips before delivering a bon mot could set most latterday National Union of Mineworkers gatherings and any Irish nationalists quivering with rage.

The Guardian

IT SHOULD be a majestic sight: a line of mustangs galloping through the sagebrush, muscles quivering as they crest each ridge, a cloud of dust in their wake.

The Economist

Readers who learn that she swiftly and happily remarried (a fact unmentioned in this book) may feel some impatience for the quivering woman on the page.

The Economist

But the Wegelin case shows how easily they attract American prosecutors' attention.Having got offshore jurisdictions, at least, to find out more about their customers and keep better records, and with banks quivering in fear of American ire, the next push is towards regulating the booming company-formation industry (see article).

The Economist

He is now proposing immigration policies that have liberals quivering with anger.

The Economist

But that also cuts the other way: without Europe on board, American sanctions on Russia will hardly set Moscow quivering.

The Economist

The end of the plague brought a new affliction: visiting relatives, notably "a silly, forward, ugly" aunt quivering with sensational plague stories.

The Economist

Few passengers could sit comfortably knowing that terrified monkeys are quivering just beneath their feet.

The Economist

His mime of Bernhardt's mother angrily flicking the train of her gown while pleading in a quivering mezzo soprano with her wilful daughter, is a theatrical marvel.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quivering" to describe subtle movements or emotional states, adding a layer of sensitivity and detail to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "quivering" in highly technical or scientific writing where more precise terms like "oscillating" or "vibrating" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Function: "Quivering" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of trembling or shaking. It adds descriptive detail, indicating the manner in which something moves or appears. Ludwig confirms the adjective usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quivering" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is shaking or trembling with a slight, rapid movement. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its frequent occurrence in news, encyclopedias, and other diverse sources indicates its widespread applicability. While synonyms like "trembling" and "shaking" exist, "quivering" often conveys a more subtle or delicate motion. When using "quivering", be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in highly technical writing. Overall, "quivering" is a valuable word to enhance descriptions and evoke a sense of emotional intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trembling

Focuses on involuntary shaking, often due to fear or excitement.

shaking

A more general term for unsteady movement.

vibrating

Implies a rapid, rhythmic oscillation.

shivering

Specifically refers to shaking from cold or fear.

tremulous

Describes something that trembles, especially from nervousness or weakness.

wavering

Implies an unsteady or flickering motion.

fluttering

Suggests a light, rapid movement like a bird's wings.

palpitating

Describes a rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat.

oscillating

Indicates a regular back-and-forth movement.

flickering

Suggests an unsteady or intermittent light or flame.

FAQs

How can I use "quivering" in a sentence?

You can use "quivering" to describe something shaking slightly, like "The "quivering leaf" signaled a change in the wind" or to express emotion, as in "Her "quivering voice" betrayed her nervousness".

What are some synonyms for "quivering"?

Alternatives include "trembling", "shaking", "vibrating", or "shivering", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "quivering with fear"?

Yes, "quivering with fear" is a common and grammatically correct expression. It vividly conveys the physical manifestation of intense fear.

What's the difference between "quivering" and "trembling"?

"Quivering" often suggests a more subtle and rapid shaking than "trembling". Trembling can imply a more pronounced or prolonged shaking, while quivering often indicates a more delicate or contained movement.