What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scorch
Example
Be careful not to scorch the pancakes. [scorch: verb]
Example
The sun has scorched the grass in the backyard. [scorched: past participle]
singe
Example
I accidentally singed the edge of my shirt with the iron. [singed: past tense]
Example
The chef singed the hair off the pig's skin before roasting it. [singed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Singe is less common than scorch in everyday language. Scorch is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while singe is more specific and used in limited contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scorch and singe?
Both scorch and singe are informal words and can be used in casual conversations. However, scorch can also be used in formal writing to describe damage or destruction caused by heat.
