What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ruins
Example
The ruins of the castle were a popular tourist attraction. [ruins: noun]
Example
The city was in ruins after the earthquake. [ruins: plural noun]
debris
Example
The debris from the construction site was blocking the road. [debris: noun]
Example
After the tornado, there was debris scattered everywhere. [debris: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Debris is more commonly used than ruins in everyday language, as it can refer to a wider range of scattered remains. Ruins is more specific and often used in the context of historical or cultural sites.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ruins and debris?
Both ruins and debris can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the situation and tone of the conversation or writing.
