What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thudding
Example
The thudding of the bass could be heard from the club down the street. [thudding: noun]
Example
The hammer kept thudding against the wall, making it difficult to concentrate. [thudding: present participle]
thumping
Example
The thumping of the drums could be felt in my chest. [thumping: noun]
Example
He gave the table a thumping with his fist to emphasize his point. [thumping: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thumping is more commonly used than thudding in everyday language. Thumping is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while thudding is less common and refers to a specific type of sound.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thudding and thumping?
Both thudding and thumping are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversation or writing. Neither word is particularly formal or academic.
