What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tatter
Example
The old flag was in tatters after years of exposure to the elements. [tatters: noun]
Example
Her dress was tattered and torn after the rough hike through the woods. [tattered: adjective]
rag
Example
He wiped his hands on the rag after working on the car engine. [rag: noun]
Example
The homeless man wore a ragged coat that barely kept him warm. [ragged: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rag is more commonly used than tatter in everyday language, as it has a wider range of contexts and can be used to describe both fabric and non-fabric items.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between tatter and rag?
Both tatter and rag are informal words, but tatter may be considered more literary or poetic due to its less common usage.
