What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lump
Example
There was a lump of sugar in my tea. [lump: noun]
Example
She felt a lump on her neck and went to the doctor. [lump: noun]
Example
He found a lump of clay and started molding it into a sculpture. [lump: noun]
mass
Example
The mass of people at the concert was overwhelming. [mass: noun]
Example
The asteroid had a mass of several tons. [mass: noun]
Example
She massaged her sore muscles after a long workout. [mass: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mass is a more commonly used word than lump in everyday language. Mass has a wider range of applications and can be used to describe a variety of things, from physical objects to groups of people. Lump, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in more specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lump and mass?
Both lump and mass are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
