What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
tearing
Example
She was tearing up the old newspaper to use as packing material. [tearing: verb]
Example
The sound of tearing fabric echoed through the room. [tearing: noun]
Example
He felt a sharp tearing pain in his shoulder after lifting the heavy box. [tearing: gerund or present participle]
laceration
Example
The doctor cleaned and stitched the laceration on her leg. [laceration: noun]
Example
He suffered a deep laceration on his hand while working with the broken glass. [laceration: noun]
Example
The laceration on her arm required immediate medical attention. [laceration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tearing is more commonly used than laceration in everyday language. Tearing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while laceration is more specific and typically used in medical or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between tearing and laceration?
Laceration is typically associated with a more formal and medical tone, while tearing can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
