What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scrounge
Example
I had to scrounge around for some change to pay for my coffee. [scrounge: verb]
Example
He's always scrounging for free samples at the grocery store. [scrounging: present participle]
beg
Example
The homeless man on the street corner was begging for spare change. [begging: present participle]
Example
She begged her boss for a raise, but he refused. [begged: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Beg is more commonly used than scrounge in everyday language. Beg is often used in situations where someone is asking for charity or assistance, while scrounge is used more in situations where someone is trying to obtain something through resourcefulness or creativity.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between scrounge and beg?
Beg is generally considered more formal and polite than scrounge. Beg is often used in formal situations where someone is asking for assistance or charity, while scrounge is used more in informal situations where someone is trying to obtain something through resourcefulness or creativity.