What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abrasion
Example
The hiker suffered an abrasion on his knee after falling on the rocky trail. [abrasion: noun]
Example
The constant friction of the moving parts caused abrasion on the metal surface. [abrasion: noun]
Example
She used an exfoliating scrub to remove the abrasions on her face. [abrasions: plural noun]
scratch
Example
The cat left a scratch on the sofa with its claws. [scratch: noun]
Example
He got a scratch on his arm from the thorny bush. [scratch: noun]
Example
She used a knife to scratch her initials on the tree trunk. [scratch: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scratch is more commonly used than abrasion in everyday language, and is versatile enough to cover a wide range of contexts. Abrasion is more technical and medical, and is less commonly used in casual conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between abrasion and scratch?
Abrasion is more formal and technical, and is commonly used in medical or scientific contexts. Scratch is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
