What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dial
Example
She turned the dial on the radio to find her favorite station. [dial: noun]
Example
He dialed the phone number and waited for someone to answer. [dialed: past tense verb]
knob
Example
She adjusted the volume on the speaker by turning the knob. [knob: noun]
Example
He twisted the knob to adjust the temperature of the oven. [twisted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Knob is more commonly used than dial in everyday language. Knob is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dial is less common and refers specifically to a circular or square plate used for selecting a number or symbol.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dial and knob?
Both dial and knob are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
