What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
teased
Example
She teased her brother about his new haircut. [teased: verb]
Example
The group of friends enjoyed teasing each other during their game night. [teasing: gerund or present participle]
mock
Example
The bullies mocked the new student for his accent. [mocked: verb]
Example
The comedian's routine included mocking politicians and celebrities. [mocking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tease is more commonly used than mock in everyday language. Tease is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mock is less common and is usually associated with negative behavior.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between teased and mock?
While tease can be used in both formal and informal contexts, mock is typically associated with an informal and negative tone.