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
She felt a lump on her neck and went to the doctor. [lump: noun]
Example
The coal miners extracted a lump of coal from the mine. [lump: noun]
knob
Example
He turned the knob to open the door. [knob: noun]
Example
The cactus had small knobs along its stem. [knobs: noun]
Example
She pressed the knob to turn on the radio. [knob: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lump is more commonly used than knob in everyday language. Lump is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while knob is more specific and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lump and knob?
Both lump and knob are relatively informal words, but knob may be slightly more formal due to its association with technical or mechanical contexts.
