What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lump
Example
There was a lump of sugar in my tea. [lump: noun]
Example
He felt a lump on his neck and went to see a doctor. [lump: noun]
Example
I got a lump sum payment for my retirement. [lump: adjective]
chunk
Example
She cut a chunk of cheese for the party. [chunk: noun]
Example
He ate a big chunk of the cake. [chunk: noun]
Example
Let's work on this chunk of the project first. [chunk: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chunk is more commonly used than lump in everyday language. Chunk is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while lump is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as medical or financial.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lump and chunk?
Both lump and chunk are relatively informal words, but lump may be slightly less formal due to its negative connotations in some contexts.