What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scrabbling
Example
The cat was scrabbling at the door, trying to get in. [scrabbling: verb]
Example
He was scrabbling up the steep hill, trying to reach the top. [scrabbling: gerund or present participle]
scrape
Example
She scraped the mud off her shoes before entering the house. [scraped: past tense]
Example
He got into a scrape with the law and had to pay a fine. [scrape: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scrape is more commonly used than scrabbling in everyday language. Scrape is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scrabbling is less common and often used in specific contexts related to searching or digging.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scrabbling and scrape?
Both scrabbling and scrape are informal words that are suitable for casual conversations or informal writing. However, scrape can also be used in more formal contexts, such as technical or scientific writing, where precision and accuracy are important.
