What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rung
Example
He climbed up the ladder, gripping each rung tightly. [rung: noun]
Example
She had finally reached the top rung of the corporate ladder. [rung: noun]
Example
The phone rang with a loud and clear ring. [rung: noun]
step
Example
She took a step forward, cautiously approaching the edge. [step: noun]
Example
We need to follow each step of the recipe carefully. [step: noun]
Example
He tripped on the last step of the staircase and fell. [step: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Step is more commonly used than rung in everyday language. Step is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rung is less common and refers to a specific type of horizontal bar.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rung and step?
Both rung and step can be used in formal and informal contexts, but rung may be more formal due to its association with hierarchy and ranking systems.
