What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ripping
Example
She was ripping the paper into small pieces. [ripping: verb]
Example
The sound of ripping fabric filled the room. [ripping: gerund or present participle]
tearing
Example
He was tearing the letter into shreds. [tearing: verb]
Example
The dog was tearing at the toy with its teeth. [tearing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tearing is more commonly used than ripping in everyday language. Tearing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ripping is less common and is typically used for specific materials such as paper or fabric.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ripping and tearing?
Both ripping and tearing are informal words and are not typically used in formal writing or speech.
