I have made up the sentences below.
(1) It was minus twenty degrees Celsius for six days. When I walked around outside, I shook very badly.
(2) It was minus twenty degrees Celsius for six days. When I walked around outside, I trembled very badly.
Most of my non-native English speaking friends think "trembled" is wrong and "shook" is the better choice.
I am not sure if they are correct. Please help me. Thank you very much.
word choice: shook or trembled
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Re: word choice: shook or trembled
Both verbs are possible but have you considered "shiver"? This verb actually means "shake/tremble uncontrollably as a result of being cold".
It was minus twenty degrees Celsius for six days. When I walked around outside, I shivered badly.
It was minus twenty degrees Celsius for six days. When I walked around outside, I shivered badly.
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Re: word choice: shook or trembled
Also, "trembled" is used with a reaction or emotion, such as fear typically and "shook" with a specific body part (my hands shook). Shiver in this case is in fact ideal.