What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scratched
Example
The cat scratched the sofa with its claws. [scratched: verb]
Example
I accidentally scratched my arm on the fence. [scratched: past tense]
Example
There was a scratch on the car's paint from the tree branch. [scratch: noun]
nick
Example
I nicked my finger while chopping vegetables. [nicked: past tense]
Example
There was a nick on the edge of the table from moving it. [nick: noun]
Example
The knife left a small nick in the wood. [nick: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scratch is more commonly used than nick in everyday language. Scratch is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nick is less common and refers to a specific type of small cut or notch.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between scratched and nick?
Both scratch and nick are typically associated with an informal tone, but can be used in formal contexts when describing damage or injury in a technical or professional setting.
