What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
artifact
Example
The museum displayed ancient artifacts from the Mayan civilization. [artifact: noun]
Example
Archaeologists carefully excavated the site, uncovering various artifacts. [artifacts: plural noun]
ruin
Example
The castle stands in ruins, but you can still see its former grandeur. [ruin: noun]
Example
The earthquake ruined many buildings in the city. [ruined: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Artifact is more commonly used in academic or formal contexts, especially in the field of archaeology or history. It is less frequently used in everyday language. On the other hand, ruin is a more versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal settings to describe the state of a structure or building.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between artifact and ruin?
Artifact is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its academic and historical connotations. Ruin, on the other hand, can be used in various formality levels, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
