What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spy
Example
The spy infiltrated the enemy's headquarters to gather information. [spy: noun]
Example
She spied on her neighbor through the window to see what they were doing. [spied: past tense verb]
mole
Example
The mole was able to provide valuable information to the police about the criminal organization. [mole: noun]
Example
He acted as a mole within the company to gather information about their competitors. [mole: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spy is more commonly used than mole in everyday language, especially in the context of government or military operations. Mole is less common and is typically used in corporate or business contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spy and mole?
Spy is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while mole is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
