What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scrawl
Example
I couldn't read his scrawl on the note he left me. [scrawl: noun]
Example
She scrawled her phone number on the back of a napkin. [scrawled: past tense]
scribble
Example
He scribbled some notes in his notebook during the meeting. [scribbled: past tense]
Example
The child scribbled all over the paper with crayons. [scribble: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scribble is more commonly used than scrawl in everyday language. Scribble is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scrawl is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scrawl and scribble?
Both scrawl and scribble are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
