What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
riven
Example
The country was riven by political and social differences. [riven: adjective]
Example
Her heart was riven with grief after the loss of her loved one. [riven: verb]
torn
Example
I am torn between staying home and going out with my friends. [torn: adjective]
Example
She had torn her dress on a nail while playing in the park. [torn: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Torn is more commonly used than riven in everyday language. Torn is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while riven is less common and refers to a more specific type of damage or conflict.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between riven and torn?
Riven is typically associated with a more formal and literary tone, while torn is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
