"Screams were futile" vs "Screaming was futile"

Question

"Screams were futile" vs "Screaming was futile"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Screams were futile' implies that the act of screaming was futile, while 'screaming was futile' focuses on the action of screaming itself being futile. The choice between the two depends on whether you want to emphasize the screams or the act of screaming.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to convey that the screams made were ineffective or pointless in achieving a desired outcome.

Examples:

Her screams were futile as no one could hear her over the noise.
The prisoner's screams were futile as he was in a soundproof cell.

Alternatives:

cries were futile
shouts were futile
yells were futile
protests were futile
efforts were futile

This phrase is used to indicate that the act of screaming itself was pointless or ineffective.

Examples:

The screaming was futile as no one could hear it in the distance.
Her continuous screaming was futile as it did not change the situation.

Alternatives:

shouting was futile
yelling was futile
crying was futile
protesting was futile
efforting was futile

Answer 1

Screams were futile

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

Screaming was futile

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"Screams were futile" vs "Screaming was futile"

Screams were futile

Screaming was futile

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