What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
graffiti
Example
The graffiti on this wall is really impressive. [graffiti: noun]
Example
She likes to go out at night and do graffiti on abandoned buildings. [graffiti: verb]
vandalism
Example
The police arrested him for vandalism after he spray-painted the park bench. [vandalism: noun]
Example
She was charged with vandalizing the school bathroom. [vandalizing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Graffiti is more commonly used than vandalism in everyday language, especially when referring to street art or urban culture. However, vandalism is more commonly used in legal or criminal contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between graffiti and vandalism?
Vandalism is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, as it is a criminal offense. Graffiti can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the context and audience.