What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dents
Example
The hailstorm left several dents on the roof of my car. [dents: noun]
Example
He accidentally dented the metal sheet while working on his project. [dented: past tense]
notch
Example
He made a small notch on the wooden board to mark the length. [notch: noun]
Example
Her performance was top-notch and impressed everyone. [top-notch: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dents is more commonly used than notches in everyday language, especially in the context of physical damage or imperfections. Notches are less common but more versatile and can be used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dents and notch?
Both dents and notches are relatively informal words, but notches can be used in more formal contexts when describing levels of quality or achievement.
