What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scrape
Example
He used a scraper to scrape off the old paint. [scrape: verb]
Example
The sound of the chair scraping against the floor was annoying. [scraping: gerund or present participle]
scratch
Example
I scratched my arm on the fence. [scratch: verb]
Example
The cat scratched the sofa with its claws. [scratched: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scratch is more commonly used than scrape in everyday language. Scratch is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scrape is less common and often used in industrial or construction contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between scrape and scratch?
While scratch is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, scrape is more formal and technical, often used in specialized fields such as engineering or construction.
