What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scoff
Example
He scoffed at the idea of going to the party. [scoffed: past tense]
Example
She scoffed down the sandwich in a matter of seconds. [scoffed: past participle]
mock
Example
The comedian mocked the politician's speech, drawing laughter from the audience. [mocked: past tense]
Example
Don't mock me for my accent, it's not funny. [mock: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mock is more commonly used than scoff in everyday language. Mock is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scoff is less common and refers to a specific action of eating or drinking with disdain.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scoff and mock?
Both scoff and mock are informal words, but mock can also be used in formal contexts to describe a serious situation where someone is being ridiculed or made fun of.
