What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bulge
Example
The bag was so full that it started to bulge at the seams. [bulge: verb]
Example
She noticed a bulge in her pocket and realized she had forgotten to take out her phone. [bulge: noun]
bump
Example
I tripped over a bump in the sidewalk and almost fell. [bump: noun]
Example
The car bumped into the one in front of it due to the slippery road. [bumped: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bump is more commonly used than bulge in everyday language. Bump is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while bulge is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bulge and bump?
Both bulge and bump can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bulge may sound slightly more formal due to its association with technical or specialized vocabulary.