What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
frayed
Example
The cuffs of his shirt were frayed from rubbing against the desk. [frayed: adjective]
Example
She frayed the edges of the fabric to create a distressed look. [frayed: verb]
tattered
Example
The homeless man was wearing tattered clothes that were full of holes. [tattered: adjective]
Example
The old book was tattered and yellowed from years of use. [tattered: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tattered is less common than frayed in everyday language. Frayed is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while tattered is more specific and often used to describe clothing or books.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between frayed and tattered?
Both frayed and tattered are informal words that are commonly used in everyday language. However, tattered may have a negative connotation and may not be appropriate for formal contexts.
