What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bumping
Example
The car bumped into the wall, causing a dent. [bumped: past tense]
Example
The train ride was so bumpy that it made it difficult to read. [bumpy: adjective]
jolting
Example
The bus made a jolting stop, causing everyone to lurch forward. [jolting: present participle]
Example
The earthquake sent a jolt through the building, shaking everything inside. [jolt: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bumping is more commonly used than jolting in everyday language. Bumping is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while jolting is less common and often used in specific situations where a sudden and forceful movement is emphasized.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bumping and jolting?
Both bumping and jolting are generally informal words. However, bumping can be used in more formal contexts as well, while jolting is typically used in informal or colloquial speech.