Dump the wallet vs Toss
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Dump the wallet
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Toss
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most formal: TossMost common: Toss
| Dump the wallet | Toss | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dʌmp ðə ˈwɒlɪt//🇺🇸 //dʌmp ðə ˈwɑlɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/tɒs/","/ˈtɒsɪz/","/tɒst/","/ˈtɒsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/tɔːs/","/ˈtɔːsɪz/","/tɔːst/","/ˈtɔːsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Put the wallet down in a careless way. | To throw something lightly. |
| Example | He decided to dump the wallet on the table and walk away. | She decided to toss the old clothes into the donation bin. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | dump the trash, dump your belongings, dump it quickly | carelessly, casually, unceremoniously, into, out of, to, carelessly, casually, unceremoniously, into, out of, to, restlessly, about, around, toss and turn, gently, lightly, well, in |
| Antonyms | - | catch, hold, retain |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'throw away' - 'dump' implies carelessness, while 'throw away' suggests disposal., Using in formal writing - 'dump' is too informal for business or academic contexts. | 'Toss' used incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb., Confusing 'toss' with 'throw' and using it in inappropriate contexts., Using 'toss' only in sports contexts. |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversation. Not appropriate for formal or serious contexts. Implies a lack of care. | Use 'toss' when you mean to throw something casually or without much force. It's suitable in informal contexts but can also be used neutrally. Avoid in very formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Dump the wallet vs Toss
What's the difference between Dump the wallet and Toss?
Dump the wallet: Put the wallet down in a careless way. Toss: To throw something lightly.
Which is more formal: Dump the wallet and Toss?
Toss is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Dump the wallet and Toss?
Toss is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Dump the wallet: He decided to dump the wallet on the table and walk away. Toss: She decided to toss the old clothes into the donation bin.
Can I use Dump the wallet and Toss interchangeably?
Not always. Dump the wallet and Toss are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.