What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
clique
Example
She is part of a clique of popular girls at school. [clique: noun]
Example
They formed a clique within the company, often having lunch together and excluding others. [clique: noun]
gang
Example
The police arrested several members of the gang for drug trafficking. [gang: noun]
Example
He joined a gang when he was younger but managed to leave and turn his life around. [gang: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clique is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in social contexts, to describe a close-knit group of friends. Gang is less common and is usually associated with criminal activities or organized crime.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between clique and gang?
While clique is generally used in informal and casual contexts, gang is more associated with a serious and formal tone due to its association with criminal activities.
