What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scan
Example
I scanned the article for any relevant information. [scan: verb]
Example
The doctor recommended a CT scan to diagnose the issue. [scan: noun]
Example
He scanned the room for any signs of danger. [scanned: past tense]
peruse
Example
I need to peruse the contract before signing it. [peruse: verb]
Example
She spent hours perusing the library's collection of rare books. [perusing: gerund or present participle]
Example
He perused the report with great interest. [perused: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Scan is more commonly used than peruse in everyday language. Scan is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while peruse is less common and tends to be used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scan and peruse?
Peruse is generally considered more formal than scan. While scan can be used in both formal and informal contexts, peruse is typically reserved for more formal or academic situations.
