What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scrape
Example
He used a knife to scrape the paint off the wall. [scrape: verb]
Example
She fell off her bike and got a scrape on her knee. [scrape: noun]
Example
The chair scraped against the floor as he moved it. [scraped: past tense]
shave
Example
He shaved his beard this morning. [shaved: past tense]
Example
She shaved her legs before going to the beach. [shave: verb]
Example
That car almost hit me! I had a close shave. [shave: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shave is more commonly used than scrape in everyday language. Shave is a common part of personal grooming and hygiene, while scrape is less common and often associated with accidents or damage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scrape and shave?
Both scrape and shave can be used in formal and informal contexts, but shave is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, including professional settings.