What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
strum
Example
He strummed his guitar while singing his favorite song. [strum: verb]
Example
The musician's strumming created a soothing melody. [strumming: gerund or present participle]
pluck
Example
She plucked the strings of her harp with great skill. [pluck: verb]
Example
The plucking of the violin strings produced a haunting melody. [plucking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strum is more commonly used than pluck in everyday language, especially in the context of playing guitars and ukuleles. Pluck is more commonly used in the context of classical or orchestral music.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between strum and pluck?
While strum is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, pluck is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
