What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pawning
Example
He pawned his watch to get some quick cash. [pawned: past tense]
Example
She is considering pawning her jewelry to pay for her bills. [pawning: present participle]
mortgaging
Example
They are mortgaging their house to buy a new car. [mortgaging: present participle]
Example
He has already mortgaged his property twice to pay off his debts. [mortgaged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mortgaging is more commonly used than pawning in everyday language, especially in the context of purchasing a property. Pawning is less common and is often associated with financial difficulties or emergencies.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pawning and mortgaging?
Mortgaging is generally considered more formal than pawning, as it involves larger loan amounts and is often used for long-term investments. Pawning is typically associated with a more informal tone and is often used for short-term loans to cover immediate expenses.
