What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ransack
Example
The burglars ransacked the house, leaving everything in disarray. [ransacked: past tense]
Example
She ransacked her closet looking for her missing necklace. [ransack: verb]
raid
Example
The police conducted a raid on the suspected drug den. [raid: noun]
Example
The Vikings raided the coastal towns for treasure and slaves. [raided: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Raid is more commonly used than ransack in everyday language. Raid is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ransack is less common and often associated with negative connotations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ransack and raid?
Raid is typically associated with a more formal tone, especially when used in the context of law enforcement or military operations. Ransack is generally considered informal and can have negative connotations of theft or burglary.
