What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dent
Example
The car had a dent on the hood from the accident. [dent: noun]
Example
She accidentally dented the metal frame with the hammer. [dented: past tense verb]
ding
Example
The table had a ding on the corner from moving it around. [ding: noun]
Example
He accidentally dinged the guitar while carrying it through the door. [dinged: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dent is more commonly used than ding in formal contexts, such as insurance claims or legal documents. However, ding is more commonly used in everyday language and informal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dent and ding?
Dent is generally considered more formal than ding, and is often used in technical or professional contexts. Ding, on the other hand, is more informal and can be used in casual conversations or in a playful manner.
