Grammar Punk Blog

Peak, peek, pique

I do so love a triple!

Who knew such a wee monosyllabic word could have so many meanings? You’ve no doubt used the first two many times, and the third? Whether you’ve used in writing or not, you’ve no doubt experienced the third as many times. Or maybe that’s just me.

Let’s take a look at these three commonly confused words.

Peak: the pointed summit of a mountain, and or: the point of greatest success, development, or strength of a process or activity

Peek: to take a quick look at something, especially secretively or surreptitiously

Pique: a bad mood or feeling of resentment, especially when brought on by an insult, hurt pride, or loss of face

Grammar Punk Sentence: R E 5 , Pro

Beating his fear of heights and finally reaching the peak of the Matterhorn, Cecil dared a peek through his fingers; he could see the whole Disneyland Park from here!

Grammar Punk Sentence: K A 3 ? Pro Pique

In a fit of pique, Stephanie threw the tray of cupcakes against the wall, who knew third graders could be so cranky about kumquats in the frosting?

Give it a try. Write a sentence of three using these particular commonly confused words. And share!