What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kerplunk
Example
The rock fell from the cliff and kerplunked into the river below. [kerplunk: verb]
Example
The vase slipped from my hand and kerplunked onto the floor, shattering into pieces. [kerplunked: past tense]
clunk
Example
The car engine made a loud clunking noise when it stalled on the road. [clunking: present participle]
Example
I accidentally knocked over the metal trash can, and it clunked loudly on the pavement. [clunked: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clunk is more commonly used than kerplunk in everyday language. Clunk is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while kerplunk is less common and used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between kerplunk and clunk?
Both kerplunk and clunk are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
