What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
assaults
Example
He was charged with assault after attacking a stranger on the street. [assault: noun]
Example
She assaulted her ex-boyfriend during an argument. [assaulted: past tense verb]
violence
Example
The movie depicted scenes of extreme violence and gore. [violence: noun]
Example
Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects many families. [violence: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Violence is more commonly used than assaults in everyday language. It is a broader term that covers a wider range of aggressive behaviors and is used in various fields. On the other hand, assaults are more commonly used in legal or law enforcement contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between assaults and violence?
Both assaults and violence can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, assaults are more specific to legal or law enforcement settings, which may give it a slightly more formal connotation compared to violence, which is a broader term used in different fields.
