What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
conflicted
Example
She felt conflicted about accepting the job offer since it required her to move away from her family. [conflicted: adjective]
Example
He was conflicted about whether to tell the truth or keep the secret. [conflicted: past participle]
torn
Example
She was torn between staying at home to take care of her sick child and going to work to support her family. [torn: adjective]
Example
He was torn about which college to attend since both had offered him a scholarship. [torn: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Torn is more commonly used than conflicted in everyday language. Torn is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while conflicted is less common and tends to be used in more formal or academic settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between conflicted and torn?
While conflicted is typically associated with a more formal or academic tone, torn is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.