What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

pawn

Example

I moved my pawn two spaces forward. [pawn: noun]

Example

I had to pawn my watch to get some quick cash. [pawn: verb]

Example

He was just a pawn in her game of power. [pawn: noun]

hock

Example

The horse injured its hock and couldn't run anymore. [hock: noun]

Example

I had to hock my guitar to pay the rent. [hock: verb]

Example

We're really in a hock with this project deadline. [hock: noun]

Definitions of pawn and hock

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Key differences and similarities of pawn and hock

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Good things to know

Which word is more common?

Pawn is more commonly used than hock in everyday language, especially in the context of chess or loans. Hock is less common and often used in the context of financial difficulties or problems.

What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pawn and hock?

Both pawn and hock are informal words, but pawn can also be used in formal contexts when referring to loans or collateral.