What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
collide
Example
The two cars collided at the intersection, causing significant damage. [collide: verb]
Example
The collision between the two players on the field resulted in a penalty. [collision: noun]
bump
Example
I accidentally bumped into the table and spilled my coffee. [bumped: past tense]
Example
She felt a bump on her arm after falling off her bike. [bump: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bump is more commonly used than collide in everyday language. Bump is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while collide is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations involving stronger impacts or clashes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between collide and bump?
While bump is generally associated with a casual and informal tone, collide can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the severity and nature of the collision.