dump

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dump" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to discarding something, a place where waste is deposited, or in computing, where data is transferred or stored. Example: "I need to dump all the old files to free up space on my computer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In January, final approvals were granted to dump three million cubic metres of dredged ocean bottom into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to make way for a new coal terminal.

The Guardian

The plan to dump dredge spoil at a vacant industrial site next to Abbot Point represents the third attempt to find a place for the potentially toxic seabed.

The Guardian

Milne said it was "appalling" that Australia would "pay our most impoverished neighbour" so it could "dump" people there without any chance of safety or work or a decent life.

The Guardian

Seeking to defend his own Jaguar console, he said "You can't have the Japanese consumer paying a fattened dollar price, then subsidise the product and dump it in the United States for $249 and kill the U.S. manufacturers.

The Guardian - Tech

Germany dump Diego Maradona and Argentina out By Dominic Fifield, Green Point Stadium, 3 July 2010 If it had indeed been the will of God that Argentina should claim this World Cup, then Diego Maradona must feel utterly abandoned now.

The Guardian - Sport

So far they have revealed little about themselves, posting brief notes and links on Pastebin – a site favoured by hackers to "dump" material – writing in garbled English that suggests it is not their first language.

The Guardian - Film

Next is to dump the executive bonus scheme that produced multimillion-pound payouts that the chief executive, Lord Wolfson, has shared among staff – although the existing pot could continue to pay out for nine more years.

The Guardian - Business

"The community will be shocked to hear that our government is blindly relying on port developers' claims and letting them dump dredge spoil offshore in the reef's waters".

The Guardian

— Peter Beattie (@SmartState1) September 8, 2013 The dump will be full!! pic.twitter.com/D98Onn3Avf Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.23pm AEST05:23 Warren Snowdon is predicted to retain the Northern Territory seat of Lingiari, although the incumbent MP has said he doesn't want to be "presumptuous".

The Guardian

On Thursday, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority said it tried and failed to persuade North Queensland Bulk Ports to dump the waste on land.

The Guardian

A winter that has largely spared the north-eastern US is about to arrive with gusto: a storm the National Weather Service (NWS) called "potentially historic" could dump 2ft to 3ft of snow from northern New Jersey to Connecticut.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dump" to refer to ending a relationship, consider the emotional impact. It can sound harsh; alternatives like 'end' or 'break up' may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "dump" in formal documents when referring to disposal or discarding. Opt for more sophisticated terms like "dispose of", "discharge", or "eliminate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "dump" functions primarily as a verb meaning to discard or unload something. It also operates as a noun, referring to a place for disposing of waste or a chaotic mess. Ludwig AI confirms its versatile use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Sport

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dump" is a versatile term functioning as both a verb and a noun, with meanings ranging from discarding waste to ending relationships. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral, its formality varies with context; formal writing might benefit from alternatives like "dispose" or "eliminate". Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Discard

Focuses on the act of getting rid of something no longer wanted or needed.

Dispose of

Emphasizes a more formal or proper method of getting rid of something.

Get rid of

A more general and informal way to say discard.

Unload

Highlights the act of removing a load or contents, often in large quantities.

Discharge

Suggests releasing or emitting something, often liquid or gas.

Jettison

Implies throwing something overboard, often from a ship or aircraft, to lighten the load.

Abandon

Indicates leaving something behind, often due to necessity or danger.

Terminate

Focuses on ending a relationship or agreement.

Reject

Emphasizes refusal to accept or consider something.

Eliminate

Focuses on completely removing or getting rid of something.

FAQs

How can I use "dump" in a sentence?

The word "dump" can be used as a verb to mean 'to discard' as in "They decided to "dump" the old furniture" or as a noun referring to a place for refuse as in "The garbage truck is heading to the city "dump"".

What can I say instead of "dump"?

You can use alternatives like "discard", "dispose of", or "get rid of" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "dump" in formal writing?

While "dump" is widely understood, it can sound informal in certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "dispose", "eliminate", or "discharge" for professional or academic documents.

What's the difference between "dump" and "discard"?

"Dump" often implies disposing of something quickly or carelessly, whereas "discard" suggests a more considered act of getting rid of something, focusing on its unneeded status.