What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bulge
Example
The tire had a bulge on the side, indicating a potential problem. [bulge: noun]
Example
His pockets bulged with the weight of all the coins. [bulged: past tense]
swelling
Example
She twisted her ankle and it resulted in a painful swelling. [swelling: noun]
Example
After the bee sting, his hand started swelling. [swelling: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swelling is more commonly used than bulge in medical or health-related contexts, especially when referring to body parts. Bulge is more commonly used to describe physical objects or surfaces.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bulge and swelling?
Both bulge and swelling can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, swelling is more commonly used in medical or technical discussions, which may give it a slightly more formal connotation.
