What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ragtime
Example
Scott Joplin was a famous composer of ragtime music. [ragtime: noun]
Example
She played a lively ragtime tune on the piano. [ragtime: adjective]
blues
Example
B.B. King was a famous blues musician. [blues: noun]
Example
The singer's voice had a bluesy quality to it. [bluesy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blues is more commonly known and recognized than ragtime in modern times. Blues has had a significant impact on the development of other genres of music, such as jazz and rock and roll, and continues to be popular today. Ragtime, while less well-known, still has a place in musical history and is appreciated by enthusiasts of the genre.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ragtime and blues?
Neither ragtime nor blues is inherently more formal or informal than the other. Both can be used in various contexts, from casual to formal, depending on the situation and audience.
