Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner1]

Hello,

What is the difference between 'rob' and 'mug'? When to use either of them? e.g.

1.'They killed some policemen while robbing a bank.'
Is 'mug' fine here?

2.'He was robbed/mugged in his house last night.
Could 'rob' and 'mug' be used here?

3.'He was robbed/mugged and got hurt on the street last night.
What is the difference between them if they are fine here?

4.'The gang had robbed/mugged the drugstore and killed the drugstore owner.'
Are 'rob' and 'mug' fine here?

Thank you very much.

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Learner -

You get mugged on the street, in an alley, in the park, etc.

So...mugged only works in example #3...(robbed would also be okay).

Philo

[learner1]

Hello Philo,

Your explanation is great. Thank you very much for your help.
So, could 'rob' work in all the senteces?
And
Do 'rob' and 'mug' have the same meaning?

Thank you very much.

[Philo Kevetch]

Yes, 'rob' works in all of your examples.

'mug' is used when you are 'robbed' in public spaces... Philo

[learner1]

Hello Philo,

Thank you very much for all your help.