What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
husky
Example
His husky voice made him sound like a radio announcer. [husky: adjective]
Example
The husky pulled the sled through the snow with ease. [husky: noun]
gruff
Example
The old man had a gruff voice that scared the children. [gruff: adjective]
Example
He gave a gruff response when asked about his plans for the weekend. [gruff: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gruff is more commonly used than husky in everyday language. Gruff is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while husky is less common and refers to specific qualities of a voice or an animal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between husky and gruff?
Both husky and gruff are informal words, but husky can be used in a more formal context when describing a deep and resonant voice, while gruff is generally used in informal contexts to describe a person's manner of speaking.
