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 looking for money and jewelry. [ransacked: past tense]
Example
She ransacked her closet for the perfect outfit. [ransack: verb]
rummage
Example
I rummaged through my backpack to find my keys. [rummaged: past tense]
Example
He spent hours rummaging through old records at the flea market. [rummaging: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rummage is more commonly used than ransack in everyday language. Rummage is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ransack is less common and has a more specific and negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ransack and rummage?
While rummage is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, ransack is more intense and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
