Cool MateThrow vs Toss
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Throw
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Toss
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Throw
| Throw | Toss | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/θrəʊ/","/θrəʊz/","/θruː/","/θrəʊn/","/ˈθrəʊɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/θrəʊ/","/θrəʊz/","/θruː/","/θrəʊn/","/ˈθrəʊɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/tɒs/","/ˈtɒsɪz/","/tɒst/","/ˈtɒsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tɔːs/","/ˈtɔːsɪz/","/tɔːst/","/ˈtɔːsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To send something through the air by using your hand. | To throw something lightly. |
| Example | I will throw the ball to you. | 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 | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | angrily, carelessly, casually, be ready to, be tempted to, want to, at, in, into, throw something open, angrily, carelessly, casually, be ready to, be tempted to, want to, at, in, into, throw something open, angrily, carelessly, casually, be ready to, be tempted to, want to, at, in, into, throw something open, angrily, carelessly, casually, be ready to, be tempted to, want to, at, in, into, throw something open, angrily, carelessly, casually, be ready to, be tempted to, want to, at, in, into, throw something open, angrily, carelessly, casually, be ready to, be tempted to, want to, at, in, into, throw something open, angrily, carelessly, casually, be ready to, be tempted to, want to, at, in, into, throw something open | 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 | 'Throwed' instead of 'threw' as the past tense., Using 'throw' without an object, which can be unclear., Confusing with 'toss', which implies a lighter action. | '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 | Use 'throw' when you are discussing physical actions of sending something away, often in casual contexts. Avoid in formal writing unless used metaphorically. | 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: Throw vs Toss
What's the difference between Throw and Toss?
Throw: To send something through the air by using your hand. Toss: To throw something lightly.
Which is more common: Throw and Toss?
Throw is the most common in everyday English.
Are Throw and Toss the same CEFR level?
Throw: A2, Toss: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Throw and Toss interchangeably?
Not always. Throw 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.