What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
punch
Example
He punched the wall in frustration. [punched: past tense]
Example
She delivered a powerful punch to her opponent's face. [punch: noun]
blow
Example
He blew out the candles on his birthday cake. [blew: past tense]
Example
The strong wind blew the leaves off the trees. [blow: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blow is more commonly used than punch in everyday language. Blow is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while punch is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between punch and blow?
Both punch and blow are informal words and are not appropriate for formal contexts. However, punch may have a more aggressive or violent connotation, making it even less appropriate for formal situations.