What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
throbbing
Example
My head is throbbing from the loud music. [throbbing: present participle]
Example
The throbbing in my tooth made it hard to concentrate. [throbbing: noun]
pounding
Example
The pounding of the drums could be heard from miles away. [pounding: noun]
Example
My heart was pounding with excitement as I approached the finish line. [pounding: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pounding is more commonly used than throbbing in everyday language. Pounding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while throbbing is less common and often associated with pain or discomfort.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between throbbing and pounding?
Both throbbing and pounding are generally considered informal words, but they can be used in more formal contexts to describe physical or emotional sensations.
