shake

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb, for example, to indicate an action of shaking or to express excitement or fear. For example, "The earthquake shook the entire building." Alternatively, it can be used as a noun to describe a milkshake beverage or a type of dance. For example, "He ordered a chocolate shake for dessert."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I shake my head.

The Guardian - Music

At Westminster the loyalists look at the likes of Nadine Dorries, "Mad Nad" to her detractors, and shake their heads in despair.

The Guardian

I, along with legions of others I am sure, have never been able to shake the idea that if Clooney and I happened to meet each other I'd be in with a chance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead, the plinth has become a place for rubberneckers to congregate, shake their heads and wonder what on earth has become of the club.

The Guardian - Sport

Add a handful of ice and shake hard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Speaking to reporters as he arrived for work on his motorbike, Varoufakis said: "When we shake hands and say this means A and not B, it means A and not B. Unfortunately, the other side has not shown such an attachment to keeping its word.

The Guardian - Business

The battle to shake the Labour vote, particularly in the west of Scotland, has long been seen as the key to the outcome on 18 September.

The Guardian

A regeneration bid in the form of the 1991 World Student Games had been intended to shake a still-dazed Sheffield back into action, and instil a strong sporting culture in this region.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

All of the big players were in the shake-up, but Nibali took advantage of their hesitation to snatch the stage - and the yellow jersey.

The Guardian - Sport

As someone so strongly associated with the coalition's shake-up of out-of-work benefits, she is someone at whom Labour will be throwing all its resources.

The Guardian

Within the last week, Scottish teens have showcased what a playful prime minister we've just lost, while in a London college pre-voters massed around Nick Clegg, who needed something to illustrate "the biggest shake-up of our democracy" since the Great Reform Act.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shake" to describe emotional impact, consider the intensity of the emotion. "Shake" implies a significant disturbance or shock.

Common error

Avoid using "shake" in highly formal or academic writing when more precise verbs like "destabilize" or "undermine" might be more appropriate. While versatile, "shake" can sometimes lack the necessary nuance.

Linguistic Context

Shake functions primarily as a verb, denoting a physical action of moving something rapidly back and forth or up and down. As Ludwig AI explains, it can also express emotional impact or function as a noun. The numerous examples highlight its versatility in describing both concrete and abstract actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "shake" is a versatile term functioning as both a verb and a noun, commonly used across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. As a verb, it describes physical actions or emotional impact, while as a noun, it can refer to a beverage. Examples from news media, lifestyle articles, and sports reports illustrate its widespread use. When aiming for precision in formal writing, consider alternatives like "destabilize" or "undermine". However, in general usage, "shake" remains a robust and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tremble

Implies involuntary shaking due to fear, cold, or excitement.

quiver

Indicates a slight trembling movement.

vibrate

Suggests rapid, rhythmic oscillations.

rock

Denotes a gentle, back-and-forth movement.

convulse

Refers to violent, involuntary muscle contractions.

jolt

Indicates a sudden, sharp movement.

agitate

Suggests stirring or disturbing something.

stir

Implies a gentle mixing motion.

palpitate

Describes a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

oscillate

Refers to movement back and forth in a regular rhythm.

FAQs

How can I use "shake" in a sentence?

You can use "shake" as a verb to describe a physical action, as in "I shake the bottle before opening it". It can also describe emotional impact, like "The news shook her deeply". As a noun, it can refer to a milkshake.

What are some synonyms for "shake" when describing physical movement?

Alternatives include "tremble", "vibrate", and "quiver", each suggesting slightly different nuances of movement.

Is it correct to say "shake on it" when making an agreement?

Yes, "shake on it" is a common idiom that means to seal an agreement with a handshake.

What does it mean to "shake off" a feeling?

To "shake off" a feeling means to get rid of it or to free yourself from its influence.