What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bogus
Example
He bought a bogus designer handbag from a street vendor. [bogus: adjective]
Example
The company was accused of selling bogus products to unsuspecting customers. [bogus: adjective]
fake
Example
She received a fake diamond ring as a gift. [fake: adjective]
Example
The painting turned out to be a fake and not an original masterpiece. [fake: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fake is more commonly used than bogus in everyday language. Fake is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while bogus is less common and more specific to describing fraudulent or counterfeit items.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bogus and fake?
While bogus is typically associated with a more informal tone, fake can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more versatile word in terms of formality.
