What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
save
Example
The lifeguard saved the drowning swimmer. [save: verb]
Example
I need to save some money for my vacation next month. [save: verb]
Example
We need to save water during the drought. [save: verb]
protect
Example
It's important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays. [protect: verb]
Example
The police are here to protect us from danger. [protect: verb]
Example
The armor protected the knight from the enemy's sword. [protected: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Protect is more commonly used than save in everyday language. Protect is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while save is less common and often used in more urgent or critical situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between save and protect?
Both save and protect can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, protect may be considered more formal due to its wider range of uses and practical connotation.
