What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dash
Example
She dashed across the street to catch the bus. [dash: verb]
Example
The athlete made a dash for the finish line. [dash: noun]
Example
He made a dash for the door when he heard the news. [dash: noun]
scamper
Example
The children scampered around the playground, laughing and playing. [scamper: verb]
Example
The puppy scampered after the ball, wagging its tail. [scampered: past tense]
Example
She scampered away from the dark alley, feeling scared. [scamper: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dash is more commonly used than scamper in everyday language. Dash is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scamper is less common and often associated with the movement of small animals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dash and scamper?
Both dash and scamper are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations or writing. However, dash can be used in more formal contexts as well, while scamper is mostly limited to informal settings.