What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
punched
Example
He punched the wall in frustration. [punched: past tense]
Example
The boxer punched his opponent in the face. [punched: verb]
slugged
Example
He slugged the bully in the face. [slugged: past tense]
Example
The two men slugged it out in the parking lot. [slugged: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Punching is more commonly used than slugging in everyday language. Punching is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while slugging is less common and may be considered more informal or slang.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between punched and slugged?
While punching can be used in both formal and informal contexts, slugging is typically associated with a more informal or slang tone and may not be appropriate in formal situations.