What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crash
Example
The car crashed into the wall, causing significant damage. [crashed: past tense]
Example
The sound of the dishes crashing to the floor startled everyone in the room. [crashing: present participle]
smash
Example
He smashed the vase against the wall in a fit of anger. [smashed: past tense]
Example
The window was smashed by a rock thrown by a vandal. [smashed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crash is more commonly used than smash in everyday language, especially in the context of vehicle accidents or system failures. Smash is less common and often used in the context of intentional acts of destruction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crash and smash?
Both crash and smash are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, crash is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including technical or scientific writing, while smash is more colloquial and informal.
