What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
klunk
Example
The toolbox fell off the shelf with a loud klunk. [klunk: noun]
Example
The old car engine made a loud klunking noise before it finally stopped. [klunking: gerund or present participle]
clang
Example
The church bell rang out with a loud clang. [clang: noun]
Example
The construction workers were making a lot of noise with their clangy tools. [clangy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clang is more commonly used than klunk in everyday language. Clang is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while klunk is less common and refers to specific types of sounds.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between klunk and clang?
Both klunk and clang are informal words that are typically used in casual conversations or informal writing. However, clang can also be used in more formal contexts, such as music or engineering, where it is a technical term.