What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
accost
Example
The stranger accosted me on the street and demanded money. [accosted: past tense verb]
Example
I don't appreciate being accosted by salespeople when I'm shopping. [accosted: passive verb]
hail
Example
I heard someone hail me from across the street and turned to see my friend waving. [hail: verb]
Example
The captain sent a hail to the other ship, requesting permission to come aboard. [hail: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hail is more commonly used than accost in everyday language. Hail is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while accost is less common and often associated with negative or aggressive behavior.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between accost and hail?
While hail can be used in formal contexts, accost is typically informal or confrontational, making it less appropriate for formal situations.
