What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hoax
Example
The news report about the alien invasion turned out to be a hoax. [hoax: noun]
Example
He hoaxed his friends into believing that he had won the lottery. [hoaxed: past tense verb]
joke
Example
She told a funny joke that made everyone in the room laugh. [joke: noun]
Example
He joked that he was going to quit his job and become a professional gamer. [joked: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Joke is more commonly used than hoax in everyday language. Joke is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while hoax is less common and is usually associated with negative situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hoax and joke?
Both hoax and joke can be used in formal and informal contexts, but hoax is typically associated with a more serious and negative tone, while joke is associated with a lighthearted and playful tone.
