What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mugging
Example
The victim was badly injured during the mugging. [mugging: noun]
Example
He was arrested for mugging an elderly woman in the park. [mugging: verb]
assault
Example
The victim suffered serious injuries from the assault. [assault: noun]
Example
He was charged with assaulting a police officer. [assaulting: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Assault is a more common term than mugging in everyday language. Assault is a broader term that covers a wider range of physical attacks, while mugging is a specific type of robbery that involves theft.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mugging and assault?
Assault is a more formal term than mugging. Assault is used in legal and official contexts, while mugging is more commonly used in informal conversations.
