vibrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vibrate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of producing a rapid, repetitive motion or sound, often in the context of electronic devices or physical objects. Example: "The phone will vibrate when you receive a notification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the alternating pressures of sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate, the vibrations are transmitted along the columella and through the oval window to the inner ear, where they are relayed to the round window in a path across the otic capsule by movements of the inner-ear fluids.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But X-rays are also emitted by giant magnetic short-circuits in the outer layers of the disc large versions of the flares in the sun's corona.Whatever the source, such X-rays will cause hydrogen molecules to vibrate, and these vibrations will be released as light of a specific wavelength.

The Economist

The result is that the magnet causes the sensor to vibrate more strongly when the vibrations within the chest cavity veer away from the sweet spot.

The Economist

In other words, the magnet causes the sensor to vibrate more strongly when the vibrations within the chest cavity veer away from the sweet spot.

The Economist

Attacks and decays are stable dispositions of objects to vibrate when thwacked, just as natural frequencies of vibration are" (Kulvicki 2008b, p. 14).

SEP

(Strings are so called because they vibrate in a way that is similar, mathematically at least, to the vibrations of the strings of a musical instrument).

The Economist

Google's Android Wear watches, such as the LG Watch Urbane, can use Google Maps to vibrate the wrist when it's time to turn or take the next street.

The Guardian - Tech

This allows it to vibrate in sympathy with sound waves, like the diaphragm in a conventional microphone.

The Economist

Even well before Rana Plaza collapsed, some of the workers claim, the building would vibrate whenever its diesel generator was running.As frantic rescue efforts continued the day after the collapse, angry workers took to the streets and started smashing other garment factories in Dhaka.

The Economist

If strong enough, the radiation can penetrate clothing and cause water molecules just below the surface of the skin to vibrate.

The Economist

When such a material is placed in a rapidly alternating electric field, it starts to vibrate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing electronic devices, use "vibrate" to indicate the silent alert mode. For example: "Set your phone to "vibrate" during the meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "vibrate" when a more specific verb could better convey the type of motion. "Shake", "tremble", or "oscillate" might provide a more vivid and accurate description depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "vibrate" is as a verb, describing the action of moving rapidly back and forth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable and correct in written English. The word can also function as a noun, referring to the setting on a device that causes it to move.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "vibrate" is a versatile term used to describe rapid, repetitive motion or oscillation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. Functioning primarily as a verb, it also serves as a noun referring to a device's silent alert setting. With a neutral formality, "vibrate" appears frequently in news, encyclopedic entries, and scientific texts. While ""vibrate"" is generally correct, it's essential to consider more specific alternatives like "oscillate" or "shake" for greater precision in descriptive writing. Understanding its nuances ensures effective communication across diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oscillate

Implies a regular back-and-forth movement, similar to "vibrate" but often with a more measured rhythm.

resonate

Focuses on the amplification and prolongation of sound or feeling, suggesting a deeper connection than a simple "vibration".

shake

A more general term for rapid movement, "shake" can sometimes replace "vibrate" but lacks the precision of controlled oscillation.

quiver

Suggests a slight trembling or shaking movement, often associated with nervousness or weakness, a milder form of "vibration".

throb

Implies a pulsating rhythm, often associated with pain or strong emotion; it's a specific type of "vibration" related to internal sensations.

pulsate

Similar to "throb", emphasizing rhythmic expansions and contractions, a more pronounced form of "vibration".

tremble

Similar to "quiver", indicates involuntary shaking, often due to cold or fear; a less controlled "vibration".

shudder

Suggests a sudden, convulsive shaking movement, often in response to cold or fear; a more intense and brief "vibration".

flutter

Implies a quick, light, irregular movement, like the wings of a bird; a more delicate type of "vibration".

palpitate

Describes a rapid or irregular heartbeat that is felt, a specific type of internal "vibration".

FAQs

How do I use "vibrate" in a sentence?

The word "vibrate" can be used to describe the rapid movement of an object, like "The phone will "vibrate" when a message arrives", or a feeling, such as "The music made the floor "vibrate"."

What can I say instead of "vibrate"?

You can use alternatives like "oscillate", "resonate", or "shake" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "vibrate" or "vibrates"?

"Vibrate" is the base form of the verb, used with plural subjects (e.g., "The strings vibrate"). "Vibrates" is the third-person singular form (e.g., "The string vibrates").

What's the difference between "vibrate" and "shake"?

"Vibrate" implies a rapid, repetitive motion, while "shake" is a more general term for back-and-forth or up-and-down movement. "Vibrate" is typically smaller and faster than "shake".