What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hoarse
Example
After yelling at the concert all night, my voice became hoarse. [hoarse: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a hoarse whisper, barely audible. [hoarse: adjective]
gruff
Example
The old man had a gruff voice that scared the children. [gruff: adjective]
Example
He answered the phone with a gruff 'What do you want?' [gruff: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hoarse is more commonly used than gruff in everyday language, especially in medical contexts. Gruff is less common and often used to describe a person's personality or behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hoarse and gruff?
Both hoarse and gruff are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations. However, hoarse can also be used in formal settings, such as medical reports or presentations.
