Word choice · B2
Creak, rattle, clatter, thud, rustle
English has a verb for almost every noise, and using the right one saves a whole sentence of description. Wood under strain creaks. Loose parts rattle. Hard objects hitting a hard floor clatter. Something heavy landing makes a thud. Dry leaves and paper rustle. Once you have these, you can describe a room without ever writing "there was a noise".
Which word, and why
- creak
slow, long, from wood or hinges under strain
To make a long, high sound when weight or pressure is applied.
a creaking floorboard · the door creaked open · creaking stairs
- rattle
rapid knocking of loose parts
To make a series of short knocking sounds by shaking.
the windows rattled · rattle the keys · a rattling engine
- clatter
hard objects falling or knocking together
To make a loud, irregular noise of hard things striking each other.
plates clattered · clatter down the stairs · a clatter of hooves
- thud
one dull heavy sound, no ring to it
To hit a surface with a low, heavy, non-resonant sound.
thud onto the mat · a dull thud · his heart thudded
- rustle
soft and dry: leaves, paper, fabric
To make a light, dry sound by moving.
leaves rustled · rustling paper · a rustle of silk
- hiss
continuous escaping air or steam
To make a long s-sound.
steam hissed · the cat hissed · hiss through his teeth
- screech
high, harsh and painful to hear
To make a loud, unpleasantly high sound.
tyres screeched · screech to a halt · screeching gulls
- squeak
small, high and short
To make a short high sound, as a mouse or an unoiled hinge does.
squeaking shoes · a squeaky hinge · a small squeak
- clang
loud ringing metal
To make a loud resonant sound when metal strikes metal.
the gate clanged shut · a clanging bell
- hum
low, continuous, mechanical
To make a low steady sound with no interruption.
the fridge hums · a humming engine · hum a tune
- roar
deep, loud and sustained
To make a deep continuous noise, as a crowd, an engine or a lion does.
the crowd roared · a roaring fire · roar past
- crunch
small hard things breaking underfoot
To make the sound of gravel, snow or dry leaves being crushed.
gravel crunched · crunch through the snow
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The floorboard as he crossed the landing, and the baby woke.