What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frowned
Example
She frowned when she heard the news. [frowned: verb]
Example
His frowning face made it clear he was not happy with the situation. [frowning: gerund or present participle]
scowl
Example
He scowled at the waiter for bringing him the wrong order. [scowled: verb]
Example
Her scowling face made it clear she was not in the mood to talk. [scowling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frown is more commonly used than scowl in everyday language. Frown is a more versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, while scowl is less common and has a stronger negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frowned and scowl?
Both frown and scowl are informal expressions that are typically used in casual conversations. However, scowl is generally considered more aggressive and may be seen as impolite or rude in formal settings.