What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pranked
Example
I pranked my friend by putting a fake spider in her coffee cup. [pranked: past tense]
Example
The YouTube video was all about pranking people with fake lottery tickets. [pranking: gerund or present participle]
hoax
Example
The news report about the alien invasion turned out to be a hoax. [hoax: noun]
Example
The company was accused of hoaxing investors with false financial reports. [hoaxing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pranked is more commonly used in everyday language than hoax. Pranked is a casual and informal word that is often used in social situations, while hoax is a more serious and formal word that is typically used in news or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pranked and hoax?
Hoax is a more formal word than pranked. It is often used in serious or professional contexts, such as news reporting or legal proceedings. Pranked, on the other hand, is a more casual and informal word that is used in social situations or among friends.