What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plopping
Example
The frog made a plopping sound as it jumped into the pond. [plopping: verb]
Example
She heard the plopping of the laundry as it was dropped into the washing machine. [plopping: gerund or present participle]
thudding
Example
The book hit the floor with a thudding sound. [thudding: adjective]
Example
She heard the thudding of his footsteps as he approached her. [thudding: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thudding is more commonly used than plopping in everyday language. Thudding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while plopping is less common and refers to a specific type of sound.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plopping and thudding?
Both plopping and thudding are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
