What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fulcrum
Example
The fulcrum of the seesaw is the point where it balances. [fulcrum: noun]
Example
The new marketing strategy was the fulcrum of the company's success. [fulcrum: metaphorical usage]
hinge
Example
The door swings on its hinges. [hinges: noun]
Example
The success of the project hinged on the team's ability to work together. [hinged: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hinge is more commonly used than fulcrum in everyday language. Hinge is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while fulcrum is less common and is typically used in physics or engineering contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fulcrum and hinge?
Both fulcrum and hinge are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.