What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ripped
Example
He wore a ripped t-shirt to the concert. [ripped: adjective]
Example
She ripped the paper in half to make two smaller sheets. [ripped: verb]
torn
Example
Her shirt was torn after she fell off her bike. [torn: adjective]
Example
He was torn between two job offers. [torn: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Torn is more commonly used than ripped in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more versatile.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ripped and torn?
Both ripped and torn can be used in informal and formal contexts, but torn is generally considered more formal due to its wider range of uses.
