What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sneering
Example
He looked at me with a sneering expression on his face. [sneering: adjective]
Example
She spoke in a sneering tone, making fun of my outfit. [sneering: gerund or present participle]
mocking
Example
He was mocking my accent, which made me feel embarrassed. [mocking: gerund or present participle]
Example
Her mocking tone made it clear that she didn't take me seriously. [mocking: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mocking is more commonly used than sneering in everyday language. Mocking is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while sneering is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sneering and mocking?
Both sneering and mocking are informal words that are not appropriate for formal situations. However, mocking is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while sneering is mostly used in informal situations.
