What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
crush
Example
She crushed the garlic with a mortar and pestle. [crushed: past tense]
Example
I have a crush on my coworker, but I'm too shy to tell her. [crush: noun]
Example
The army was able to crush the enemy's defenses and take control of the territory. [crush: verb]
mash
Example
He mashed the potatoes with a fork until they were smooth. [mashed: past tense]
Example
The recipe calls for mashed bananas and applesauce. [mashed: adjective]
Example
The football player was badly mashed during the tackle and had to be taken out of the game. [mashed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Crush is more commonly used than mash in everyday language, especially in the context of romantic attraction. Mash is more commonly used in cooking or food preparation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between crush and mash?
Both crush and mash are informal words, but mash may be slightly more formal due to its association with cooking and food preparation.
