What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rescue
Example
The firefighters rescued the family from the burning building. [rescued: past tense]
Example
The lifeguard rescued the drowning swimmer from the ocean. [rescue: verb]
save
Example
Wearing a helmet can save your life in case of an accident. [save: verb]
Example
We need to save the environment by reducing our carbon footprint. [save: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Save is more commonly used than rescue in everyday language. Save is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while rescue is less common and typically used in emergency situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between rescue and save?
Both rescue and save can be used in formal and informal contexts, but rescue may be more associated with emergency situations and have a more urgent tone, while save can be used in a wider range of contexts and have a more neutral or positive connotation.