What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scruffle
Example
She scruffled the dog's ears and laughed at his wagging tail. [scruffled: verb]
Example
The cat enjoyed a good scruffle under the chin before settling down for a nap. [scruffle: noun]
Example
He scruffled through the papers on his desk, looking for the missing report. [scruffling: gerund or present participle]
scratch
Example
I scratched my arm where the mosquito bit me. [scratched: verb]
Example
The cat left a scratch on the couch when she jumped off. [scratch: noun]
Example
The musician scratched the record to create a unique sound effect. [scratching: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scratch is more commonly used than scruffle in everyday language. Scratch is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while scruffle is less common and refers to specific interactions with pets or animals or hasty searches through items.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scruffle and scratch?
While scruffle is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, scratch is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
