Which one is correct?
"a dent" or "a dent in"?

Question

Which one is correct?
"a dent" or "a dent in"?

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This phrase is used to describe a depression or damage on a surface caused by an impact or pressure.

Examples:

The car door had a dent from the collision.
She noticed a dent on the table after moving the heavy vase.

Alternatives:

a depression
a damage
an indentation
a mark

This phrase is used to describe the act of causing a depression or damage on a surface by applying pressure or force.

Examples:

He put a dent in the metal with a hammer.
The child accidentally made a dent in the wall with a toy.

Alternatives:

create a dent in
make a dent in
put a depression in
cause a damage in

Both 'a dent' and 'a dent in' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'A dent' is used to refer to the physical damage or depression on a surface, while 'a dent in' is used to describe the action of creating a dent in something. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024