What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kaw
Example
The crow kawed loudly from the tree branch. [kaw: verb]
Example
I woke up to the kawing of crows outside my window. [kawing: gerund or present participle]
croak
Example
The frog croaked loudly in the pond. [croak: verb]
Example
His voice was so hoarse that he could only croak out a few words. [croak: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Croak is more commonly used than kaw in everyday language. Croak is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while kaw is less common and more limited in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between kaw and croak?
Both kaw and croak are informal words that are typically used in casual or creative writing contexts.
