What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pats
Example
She patted her son's back to comfort him. [pat: verb]
Example
The dog loves it when I pat his head. [pat: verb]
stroke
Example
She stroked her daughter's hair to calm her down. [stroke: verb]
Example
The cat purred contentedly as I stroked its fur. [stroked: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pats are more commonly used than strokes in everyday language. Pats are versatile and can be used in various contexts, while strokes are less common and have a more specific connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pats and stroke?
While pats are typically associated with a casual and informal tone, strokes are more intimate and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
