What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pounding
Example
The pounding of the drums could be heard from miles away. [pounding: noun]
Example
He was pounding the nail into the wall with all his might. [pounding: verb]
Example
She had a pounding headache after staying up all night. [pounding: adjective]
banging
Example
The banging of the pots and pans in the kitchen woke me up. [banging: noun]
Example
Please stop banging the door, you're going to break it. [banging: verb]
Example
They were banging out tunes on their guitars all night long. [banging: phrasal verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Banging is more commonly used than pounding in everyday language. Banging is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pounding is less common and often used in specific situations, such as describing a headache or a heartbeat.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pounding and banging?
Both pounding and banging can be used in informal and casual contexts. However, pounding may be considered more formal when used in medical or technical contexts, while banging is more commonly used in everyday language.