What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gauk
Example
Stop gauking at me like that, it's rude. [gauk: verb]
Example
The child was gauking at the magician's tricks with amazement. [gauking: gerund or present participle]
gape
Example
The audience gaped in shock as the performer fell off the tightrope. [gaped: past tense]
Example
The child gaped at the fireworks display with wonder. [gaped: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gape is more commonly used than gauk in everyday language. Gape is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while gauk is less common and may have a regional or dialectical connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gauk and gape?
Both gauk and gape are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
