What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
teased
Example
He teased her about her new haircut, but she knew he was just joking. [teased: verb]
Example
She enjoyed being teased by him because it showed that he liked her. [teased: past participle]
joke
Example
He told a funny joke that had everyone laughing. [joke: noun]
Example
She joked that she was a terrible cook, even though she was actually quite good. [joked: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Joke is more commonly used than teased in everyday language. Joke is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while teased is less common and refers to a specific type of playful interaction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between teased and joke?
Both teased and joke are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversations with friends and family. However, joke can also be used in more formal settings, such as speeches or presentations, while teased is generally reserved for informal situations.
