a shattered frame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shattered frame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a broken or damaged physical frame, such as a picture frame, or metaphorically to refer to a disrupted perspective or context. Example: "The photograph was beautiful, but it lost its charm when placed in a shattered frame."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The post featured a photo of the two, taken recently in Paris, in what looks like a shattered frame.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To illustrate what he described as American heavy-handedness, he stood before a roomful of reporters and held aloft the shattered frame of a black-and-white photograph of his father, taken 81 year ago, which he said had been broken during the raid.

The New York Times

The police found shattered frames and glass from the paintings on a roadside less than a mile from the museum.

The New York Times

"And now the place again had uninterrupted heat, water, electricity and phone service, with real windows instead of the sheets of plastic that had been taped over the shattered frames during the fighting.

The New York Times - Books

On Friday, some returned to their homes to salvage what they could, but many did not know where to start or what to pick up first: a shattered picture frame with a wedding photo, an artificial flower arrangement, a dirty pink teddy bear.

The New York Times

But what was most significant about Paxman's questioning was the suggestion that it's only a problem if you drink on your own, late at night, presumably in a darkened room, sobbing over a photo in a shattered picture frame while Phil Collins plays on the turntable.

The Guardian - Opinion

Also in the T: Leafless tree branches Red silk velvet fabric A shattered glass window with a wood frame inspired by a Vermeer window A wood framed round convex mirror inspired by Jan van Eyck's "The Arnolfini Portrait" Ivy, green sheet moss, Spanish moss, leaves, acorns, fruit, small fake birds, a bird's nest, a brass vase, a wicker basket and a small 5 pound malti-poo named Frodo.

The New York Times

Mr. Maddox told of one framed Cropsey that hung in a school in Seneca Falls, N.Y., and in the 1980s was given away to the custodian with the directions that he use the glass inside the frame to fix a shattered window.

The New York Times - Arts

We had to rebuild a shattered continent.

The New York Times

"It's a shattered dream".

The New York Times - Sports

The story, told in flashbacks, is framed by a train ride to a rural resort where Macário (Ricardo Trêpa) is going to recover from a shattered affair; he chooses to unburden himself to the stranger seated beside him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shattered frame" to vividly depict physical damage or to metaphorically describe a broken or disrupted system or concept.

Common error

Avoid using "a shattered frame" solely for emphasis; ensure the context logically connects to the idea of something being structurally or conceptually broken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shattered frame" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it describes something physically broken or is used metaphorically to represent a disrupted perspective or context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shattered frame" is a versatile noun phrase used to depict physical damage or, metaphorically, a disrupted state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts. While predominantly found in news and media, its usage extends to encyclopedic and scientific writings. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for both descriptive and analytical purposes. When using "a shattered frame", consider its potential to add vivid imagery to your writing, while avoiding overuse or inappropriate metaphorical application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a broken frame

Focuses on the physical damage to the frame.

a damaged frame

Similar to broken, but implies a wider range of possible damages.

a destroyed frame

Emphasizes the complete ruin of the frame.

a fractured frame

Suggests a crack or split in the frame's structure.

a splintered frame

Indicates that the frame has broken into splinters.

a disrupted structure

Shifts the focus to the structural integrity being compromised.

a ruined framework

Highlights the negative impact on the foundational structure.

a collapsed frame

Implies that the frame has fallen apart or caved in.

a fragmented frame

Suggests the frame is broken into several pieces.

a disintegrated frame

Emphasizes the complete breakdown of the frame's composition.

FAQs

How can I use "a shattered frame" in a sentence?

You can use "a shattered frame" to describe physical damage, such as, "The explosion left "a shattered frame" where the window once stood". It can also be used metaphorically, for example, "The scandal left his reputation in "a shattered frame"".

What are some synonyms for "a shattered frame"?

Alternatives to "a shattered frame" include "a broken frame", "a damaged frame", or "a destroyed frame" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a shattered frame" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a shattered frame" is suitable for formal writing when used accurately and appropriately to describe either physical damage or a conceptual breakdown. The phrase itself is not informal.

Can "a shattered frame" be used to describe emotional state?

While not its primary use, "a shattered frame" can be metaphorically extended to describe an emotional state if there is a clear link to a broken or disrupted structure of feeling. A better option is "shattered dreams".