What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
poke
Example
She poked me in the arm to get my attention. [poke: verb]
Example
He gave the fire a poke with a stick to stir up the embers. [poke: noun]
Example
The child poked her tongue out at the dog, trying to get it to play. [poked: past tense]
thrust
Example
The boxer thrust his fist forward, aiming for his opponent's face. [thrust: verb]
Example
She felt a sudden thrust from behind, causing her to stumble forward. [thrust: noun]
Example
He thrust his opinion into the conversation, making his point clear. [thrust: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Poke is more commonly used than thrust in everyday language. Poke is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while thrust is less common and has a more specific and intense connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between poke and thrust?
While poke is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, thrust is more formal and often used in serious or professional contexts.
