What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bag
Example
She packed her clothes in a bag for the weekend trip. [bag: noun]
Example
He bagged the groceries at the supermarket. [bagged: past tense]
backpack
Example
She always carries her backpack to school. [backpack: noun]
Example
They backpacked through Europe during their summer vacation. [backpacked: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bag is a more commonly used term in everyday language, as it is a versatile and widely used item. Backpack is also common, especially among students, hikers, and travelers, but it is more specific in its design and purpose.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bag and backpack?
Both bag and backpack can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bag is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of formality levels, while backpack is more commonly used in casual and informal settings.
