mock

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mock" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to make fun of something or imitate someone in a way that is mocking or critical; or as an adjective meaning not real or genuine. Example sentence: She was mocked by her classmates for her sartorial choices.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It is easy to mock the idea of Cameron standing up for the toiling masses while the pockets of his Old Etonian tailcoat bulge with hedge-funded millions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Glenn Greenwald, for example, attacked PEN's decision, citing "the fraud of pretending that celebrations of Charlie Hebdo cartoonists are independent of the fact that the particular group they most prominently mock are Muslims, a marginalised, targeted, and largely powerless group in France".

The Guardian - Opinion

Most of the summer break between year 5 and 6 for the children I teach is spent doing mock exams and revision.

The Guardian

The duo's meticulous year-round tracking of ward byelections is easy to mock, but it is the only way in which the polls that so obsess Westminster can be checked against real votes.

The Guardian - Opinion

She and her mother get on amazingly well, often holding mock wrestling matches.

The Guardian

She went on: "When you end up in the psych ward or rehab I'll be happy to visit you … and would not lower myself to mock you.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

My heart leaps indecently when I glimpse a rockery in a front garden, a burst of cherry blossom, a mock-Tudor semidetached frontage, or any suggestion of individual fantasy.

The Guardian - Opinion

At its most extreme the ban's absurdity was exposed on the BBC comedy mock-news show The Day Today when Steve Coogan, playing a Sinn Féin spokesman, sucked in helium before an interview in order "to subtract credibility from his statements".

The Guardian

Should the Client not supply a revised Mock-up or should the revised Mock-up (and any subsequent revised versions) be rejected by GNM, this Agreement shall immediately terminate and the Client shall have no further rights in relation to the Mock-up or GNM's IPR. 8. GNM acknowledges that: 8.1.

The Guardian

GNM shall have the right, in its absolute discretion, to approve or reject the final version of the Mock-up.

The Guardian

The buildings often come complete with mock-marble effects, in an attempt to overcome the fact that the stone was too cumbersome to lug over the Andes in the 18th century.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mock" as an adjective, ensure it accurately conveys the sense of imitation or falseness (e.g., "mock trial", "mock exam").

Common error

Avoid using "mock" in highly formal or professional writing when a more neutral term like "simulate" or "replicate" would be more appropriate. Overuse of "mock" can imply a negative connotation where none is intended.

Linguistic Context

The word "mock" functions primarily as a verb to describe the act of ridiculing or making fun of something, as demonstrated in many examples provided by Ludwig. It also serves as an adjective, indicating something is an imitation or not genuine. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mock" is a versatile term used both as a verb and an adjective, primarily to convey the idea of ridicule or imitation. Ludwig AI confirms that "mock" is correct and usable in written English, appearing frequently in news and media contexts. While generally acceptable, it's essential to consider the context and audience when using "mock", opting for more neutral alternatives like "simulate" in formal settings. Common errors include overuse in professional writing where the negative connotation isn't intended. Related terms include "ridicule", "deride", and "taunt", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific intent. The word's authoritative presence in reputable sources like The Guardian reinforces its legitimacy and appropriate usage across various communication forms. Remember to wrap the main query in quotation marks and render in bold like this: "mock".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make fun of

This is a common and straightforward way to express the act of mocking.

ridicule

This emphasizes the act of making someone or something the object of laughter or scorn.

poke fun at

This suggests a playful or lighthearted form of mockery.

deride

This suggests a more contemptuous and dismissive form of mockery.

scoff at

This indicates a dismissive and contemptuous expression of disbelief or scorn.

taunt

This refers to provoking or challenging someone with insulting remarks.

mimic

This focuses on imitating someone, often for humorous or satirical effect.

imitate

This is a more general term for copying someone's behavior or appearance.

lampoon

This involves publicly criticizing someone or something using ridicule, irony, or sarcasm.

satirize

This means to use humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices.

FAQs

How can I use "mock" in a sentence?

You can use "mock" as a verb to mean "to make fun of" (e.g., "They mocked his accent") or as an adjective to mean "imitation" (e.g., "a mock election").

What are some alternatives to the verb "mock"?

Depending on the context, you can use verbs like "ridicule", "deride", or "taunt" as alternatives to "mock".

What's the difference between "mock" and "mimic"?

"Mock" often implies making fun of someone, while "mimic" simply means to imitate, often without the intent to ridicule.

Is it appropriate to use "mock" in formal writing?

While "mock" is generally acceptable, it may be better to use more neutral terms like "simulate" or "imitate" in formal contexts to avoid any unintended negative connotations.