What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mugged
Example
She was mugged at gunpoint on her way home from work. [mugged: past tense]
Example
He narrowly avoided being mugged by a group of teenagers on his way to the store. [mugged: past participle]
robbed
Example
The store was robbed last night, and the thieves took all the cash from the register. [robbed: past tense]
Example
She was robbed of her purse while walking home from the bus stop. [robbed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Robbed is more commonly used than mugged in everyday language. Robbed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mugged is less common and refers to a specific type of theft involving violence or threat of violence.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mugged and robbed?
Both mugged and robbed are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, robbed is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, while mugged is more colloquial and may not be appropriate in formal situations.
