Cool MateCast vs Toss
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cast
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Toss
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Cast
| Cast | Toss | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kɑːst/","/kɑːsts/","/ˈkɑːstɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kæst/","/kæsts/","/ˈkæstɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/tɒs/","/ˈtɒsɪz/","/tɒst/","/ˈtɒsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tɔːs/","/ˈtɔːsɪz/","/tɔːst/","/ˈtɔːsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To throw something or to put it somewhere. | To throw something lightly. |
| Example | She decided to cast her line into the lake hoping to catch some fish. | She decided to toss the old clothes into the donation bin. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | cast a spell, cast a vote, cast a net, cast doubt, cast a shadow | carelessly, casually, unceremoniously, into, out of, to, carelessly, casually, unceremoniously, into, out of, to, restlessly, about, around, toss and turn, gently, lightly, well, in |
| Antonyms | catch, receive | catch, hold, retain |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'caused' in pronunciation., Used with incorrect verbs, e.g., saying 'cast a picture' instead of 'cast a role'., Misunderstanding the past tense; the past form is 'cast', not 'casted'. | 'Toss' used incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb., Confusing 'toss' with 'throw' and using it in inappropriate contexts., Using 'toss' only in sports contexts. |
| Usage notes | Used in various contexts, like throwing a fishing line or acting in a play. Not usually used in very casual conversations. | Use 'toss' when you mean to throw something casually or without much force. It's suitable in informal contexts but can also be used neutrally. Avoid in very formal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Cast vs Toss
What's the difference between Cast and Toss?
Cast: To throw something or to put it somewhere. Toss: To throw something lightly.
Which is more common: Cast and Toss?
Cast is the most common in everyday English.
Are Cast and Toss the same CEFR level?
Cast: B2, Toss: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Cast and Toss interchangeably?
Not always. Cast and Toss are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.