What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phony
Example
The salesman's phony smile didn't fool anyone. [phony: adjective]
Example
She was tired of his phony compliments and flattery. [phony: noun]
Example
The movie's plot felt phony and contrived. [phony: adjective]
bogus
Example
The website was shut down for selling bogus products. [bogus: adjective]
Example
He claimed to be a doctor, but it turned out to be a bogus degree. [bogus: adjective]
Example
The company's promises of quick profits were revealed to be bogus. [bogus: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Phony is more commonly used than bogus in everyday language, especially in American English. Bogus is less common but still widely understood.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phony and bogus?
Neither phony nor bogus are formal words, and both are considered colloquialisms. However, phony is slightly more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including informal and formal settings.
