What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ding
Example
The car door has a ding from when I accidentally hit it with my shopping cart. [ding: noun]
Example
He got a ding on his forehead when he bumped into the low-hanging branch. [ding: noun]
Example
The restaurant received a ding in their online reviews for poor service. [ding: verb]
mark
Example
There was a mark on the wall where the picture used to hang. [mark: noun]
Example
She received a high mark on her essay for its clarity and organization. [mark: noun]
Example
The successful completion of the project was a mark of their hard work and dedication. [mark: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mark is a more common word than ding and is used in a wider variety of contexts. Ding is a more specific word and is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ding and mark?
Mark is a more versatile word and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while ding is more commonly used in informal contexts and may not be appropriate for formal situations.