What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flopping
Example
The fish was flopping around on the dock after being caught. [flopping: verb]
Example
The actor flopped onto the couch in exhaustion after a long day of filming. [flopped: past tense verb]
Example
The basketball player was accused of flopping to get a foul called against his opponent. [flopping: gerund or present participle]
flop
Example
The movie was a flop at the box office, losing millions of dollars. [flop: noun]
Example
The tower of blocks came crashing down with a loud flop. [flop: noun]
Example
He had a pair of aces, but it turned out to be a flop when the community cards didn't help his hand. [flop: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flop is more commonly used than flopping in everyday language, as it has a wider range of contexts and meanings. Flopping is more specific to sports or physical activity.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between flopping and flop?
Both flopping and flop are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
