What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brawl
Example
The bar erupted into a brawl after an argument broke out. [brawl: noun]
Example
They were arrested for brawling in the street late at night. [brawling: present participle]
scuffle
Example
There was a scuffle between two fans at the soccer match. [scuffle: noun]
Example
The kids scuffled over the last piece of cake. [scuffled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brawl is more commonly used than scuffle in everyday language. Brawl is often associated with more serious and intense fights, while scuffle is used to describe minor altercations or struggles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brawl and scuffle?
Both brawl and scuffle are informal words, but brawl may carry a slightly stronger connotation of violence and aggression compared to scuffle, which can be used in a slightly more neutral or less intense context.
