What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
whip
Example
The cowboy cracked his whip to round up the cattle. [whip: noun]
Example
The wind whipped through the trees, making them sway. [whipped: past tense verb]
Example
The coach was known for being a tough whip on his players. [whip: adjective]
scourge
Example
The prisoner was lashed with a scourge as punishment for his crimes. [scourge: noun]
Example
The city was hit by a scourge of disease that killed thousands. [scourge: noun]
Example
The dictator was a scourge on his people, causing widespread poverty and oppression. [scourge: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whip is more commonly used than scourge in everyday language, as it has a wider range of contexts and can have positive connotations in certain situations. Scourge is more often used in formal or literary contexts to describe widespread afflictions or calamities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between whip and scourge?
While both whip and scourge have negative connotations and are associated with pain and suffering, scourge is generally considered more formal and literary than whip, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
