trembling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "trembling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical sensation of trembling, or to describe a feeling of fear or anxiety. Example: "The child felt a trembling in her chest, filled with fear as she heard the thunder outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You should also not be surprised to be told that no weakly dominated strategy can be trembling-hand perfect, since the possibility of trembling hands gives players the most persuasive reason for avoiding such strategies.

SEP

Fianna Fáil's high command is also trembling at the prospect of the publication of the Mahon Tribunal report into political corruption.

The Guardian

"When a client came, if you didn't want to go with him they would slap you and whip the soles of your feet," Pamela says, her voice trembling.

The Guardian

Seizing his moment, he crawled in and watched, trembling, as the rebel guards searched for him.

The Guardian

Indian tourist Devyani Pant was in a Kathmandu coffee shop when "suddenly the tables started trembling and paintings on the wall fell to the ground.

The Guardian

But what really struck me, the first time I interviewed him at length, was that his hands were trembling.

The Guardian - Opinion

Victories in Silverville are small and sparse, but they still mean something – sneaking off into town on his own, Bill steered his wheelchair out of the retirement village, threw his first in the air and shouted, "Freedom!" Underneath the buckled frame, the shrunken skull and the trembling hands, there was still something of the Braveheart in him.

The Guardian

It was hard not to envisage a man in black, in the dead of night, pouring with sweat as the clock ticks down ominously, louder and louder, wire cutters in his trembling hand, as someone shouts in his ear: "The blue one.

The Guardian - Sport

Walker dutifully recorded the effects of leaking miasma on the constitution of gravediggers, ranging from general ill health ("pain in the head, heaviness, extreme debility, lachrymation, violent palpitation of the heart, universal trembling, with vomiting") to sudden death.

The Guardian

In rare cases eating too much chocolate can lead to theobromine poisoning which can be lethal  - but more often causes nausea, trembling, or headaches.The danger is even more acute for animals.

The Economist

Was he a shy violet, trembling before an audience?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trembling" to vividly describe physical or emotional responses, creating a sense of vulnerability or intensity. For example, describe a "trembling" voice or "trembling" hands to convey nervousness or fear.

Common error

While "trembling" is appropriate in descriptive writing, avoid overusing it in formal or business contexts where more neutral terms like "unstable" or "fluctuating" might be more suitable to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "trembling" is as a verb, specifically the present participle, often used in continuous verb tenses or as an adjective modifying a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it correctly describes the act of shaking. For example, "Trembling hands" shows its adjectival use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "trembling" is a versatile term, functioning primarily as a verb or adjective to describe shaking or instability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is very common, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, use "trembling" to vividly depict physical or emotional responses, but avoid overuse in formal settings. Consider synonyms like "shaking" or "quivering" for nuanced descriptions. Overall, "trembling" is a valuable word for conveying a sense of vulnerability or intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shaking

Describes a similar physical action of involuntary movement, often due to cold, fear, or excitement.

quivering

Implies a more delicate and rapid shaking motion.

shivering

Specifically refers to trembling due to cold or fever.

vibrating

Describes a rapid, continuous shaking movement.

palpitating

Refers to a rapid or irregular heartbeat, often felt as a trembling in the chest.

wavering

Suggests an unsteady or faltering movement or condition.

faltering

Implies a loss of strength or stability, leading to trembling.

unsteady

Describes a lack of stability, which can manifest as trembling.

shuddering

Suggests a strong, convulsive trembling motion.

teetering

Implies a precarious state of balance, often involving a trembling motion.

FAQs

How can I use "trembling" in a sentence?

You can use "trembling" to describe a physical shaking, as in "Her hands were trembling with fear", or to describe something unstable, such as "The economy is trembling on the brink of recession".

What are some synonyms for "trembling"?

Alternatives to "trembling" include "shaking", "quivering", and "shivering", each carrying slightly different nuances.

When is it appropriate to use "trembling"?

"Trembling" is suitable when describing a physical or emotional state characterized by shaking or instability. It's often used in descriptive writing to evoke a sense of vulnerability or fear.

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

While both describe involuntary movements, "trembling" often implies a finer, more rapid movement, while "shaking" can refer to more pronounced or forceful movements. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.