a fragmentary condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fragmentary condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state or situation that is incomplete or consists of disjointed parts. Example: "The research revealed a fragmentary condition of the data, making it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The poem survives in a fragmentary condition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The manuscript came from Zakynthos, a Greek island, and has survived in a fragmentary condition.

Wikipedia

When it was excavated, traces of a tiled roof, Corinthian columns and a fresco decorated with fish and dolphins were discovered in a fragmentary condition.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The codex has survived to the present day in a very fragmentary condition.

Wikipedia

Hence the fragmentary condition of The Book of Disquiet which contains material that predates 1913 and which Pessoa left open-ended at his death.

The Guardian - Books

Although the papyrus, now in the Egyptian Museum in Turin, Italy, is in very fragmentary condition, it is still considered one of the most detailed and reliable of the existing Egyptian king lists.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fresco was in fragmentary condition when it was discovered in the 1880s, and has been redrawn.

Wikipedia

Examples of Roman sculpture survive abundantly, though often in damaged or fragmentary condition, including freestanding statues and statuettes in marble, bronze and terracotta, and reliefs from public buildings, temples, and monuments such as the Ara Pacis, Trajan's Column, and the Arch of Titus.

Wikipedia

They made do with a fragmentary and haphazard English.

The New Yorker

Mr Saavedra calls it a "fragmentary social contract".

The Economist

It begins with a fragmentary theme in soft chords.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fragmentary condition" when describing something that is incomplete, damaged, or exists in pieces, especially when the original whole is known or implied. This is applicable to describing documents, artifacts, or even abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "a fragmentary condition" to describe something that is simply 'broken' or 'damaged' without a sense of historical or conceptual wholeness. Opt for simpler language if the fragmentary nature is not the core of the description.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase modifying a noun. The phrase "a fragmentary condition" functions to describe the state or quality of something. It highlights the incomplete or disjointed nature of the subject, indicating that it exists in fragments rather than as a whole. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase describes manuscripts, frescoes, and other historical artifacts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fragmentary condition" is a grammatically sound and appropriate way to describe something that exists in an incomplete or disjointed state. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usage across various sources. While not exceedingly common, it maintains a formal tone and is best suited for describing tangible or intangible subjects that were once whole or complete, but now exist in fragments. Using alternatives such as "an incomplete state" or "a disjointed state" can provide similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an incomplete state

Focuses on the lack of completion rather than the presence of fragments.

a partial state

Emphasizes that only a portion is present or complete.

a disjointed state

Highlights the lack of connection or coherence between parts.

a broken state

Indicates damage or disruption leading to fragmentation.

a shattered condition

Suggests a violent breaking into many pieces.

a piecemeal state

Implies a gradual and fragmented development or existence.

an imperfect condition

Highlights the flaw of completeness.

a patchy state

Describes uneven distribution and lack of uniformity.

a disconnected condition

Highlights the lack of connection or unity.

a rudimentary condition

Suggests an early stage of development with missing parts.

FAQs

How can I use "a fragmentary condition" in a sentence?

You can use "a fragmentary condition" to describe something incomplete or in pieces, such as "The ancient manuscript was found in "a fragmentary condition"" or "Our understanding of the event is in "a fragmentary condition"" due to missing evidence.

What is a good alternative to "a fragmentary condition"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "an incomplete state", "a partial state", or "a disjointed state" as alternatives to "a fragmentary condition".

When is it appropriate to use "a fragmentary condition" instead of "broken"?

"A fragmentary condition" is more appropriate when emphasizing the presence of remaining pieces and the lack of a complete whole, whereas "broken" simply indicates damage. For instance, you might say an ancient statue is in "a fragmentary condition", but a vase that shattered is just "broken".

Is "fragmentary condition" formal or informal language?

"Fragmentary condition" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, terms like "incomplete" or "in pieces" might be preferred. In academic or technical writing, "fragmentary condition" is perfectly acceptable.