What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cadging
Example
He's always cadging cigarettes off his friends. [cadging: verb]
Example
She's constantly cadging rides from her coworkers. [cadging: present participle]
beg
Example
The homeless man on the street corner was begging for spare change. [begging: verb]
Example
She had to beg her parents for permission to go to the party. [beg: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beg is more commonly used than cadge in everyday language. Beg is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while cadge is less common and tends to be used in more informal situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cadging and beg?
While cadging is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, begging can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Begging is generally seen as a more serious and intense word, suitable for situations where a stronger appeal is needed.