asunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "asunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb which means "into separate parts". Example sentence: The force of the explosion blew the house asunder.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In Shia Islam, the hidden imam is predicted to reappear in Mecca and herald a new dawn of justice after the world has been torn asunder by violence and oppression.

The Guardian

Republican areas are transformed, with millions in European "peace money" used to rebuild the local economic and social fabrics torn asunder by violence and heavy-handed occupation by the army and the RUC.

The Guardian

Day three, December 16 2006, brought the final nail in the coffin as Australia piled on the runs and tore England's Ashes hopes asunder.

The Guardian - Sport

It's apparent that the likes of Geelong (yes, the same Cats who were flogged asunder by Sydney) and Fremantle are steeling themselves for a top-four finish; the same cannot be said for Port Adelaide, who look to be running out of puff and fit men in equal measures.

The Guardian - Sport

The furore over Pietersen has torn English cricket asunder since his removal from the squad after the catastrophic Ashes defeat in early 2014.

The Guardian - Sport

The time may finally be at hand when the imbalances created by Bretton Woods 2 now tear the system asunder.

The Economist

This sorry saga has been dragging on for two years now, bringing Europe "ever closer", not to greater union but to being torn asunder.

The Economist

They do not mention the Lisbon treaty.In this section The export model sputters Put asunder Not working Neighbourhood watching An unloved parliament ReprintsOther leaders decry the practice of packing the European Parliament with failed politicians and cronies.

The Economist

He perches his ample behind atop his throne, and his red trousers are rent asunder with a sharp rip.

The Economist

The other, "A View From The Bridge", is at the Wyndham's Theatre if you want families torn asunder and the woes of overweening patriarchy, it seems Mr van Hove is your man.

The Economist

If he does not, Egypt's divided narratives will split further asunder.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "asunder" to create a dramatic or literary effect, especially when describing something being violently or completely separated.

Common error

Avoid using "asunder" too frequently in contemporary writing, as it can sound archaic or overly dramatic. Opt for more common synonyms like "apart" or "into pieces" in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "asunder" functions to indicate a state of division or separation. It often emphasizes a forceful or violent separation, resulting in something being torn or split into pieces. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asunder" is an adverb denoting separation or division, often with a sense of force or drama. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. While versatile, "asunder" carries a formal or literary tone, making it less common in everyday conversation. When aiming for impactful writing that conveys forceful separation, "asunder" can be a powerful choice. However, writers should consider its dramatic weight and explore alternatives like "apart" or "into pieces" for more casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragmented

Emphasizes the broken or incomplete nature of what was once whole, similar to "asunder" but less focused on the action of separation.

torn apart

Focuses on forceful separation, often implying emotional distress or conflict, unlike the neutral separation suggested by "asunder".

disintegrated

Suggests a process of decay or breakdown, which is a gradual and less abrupt separation than "asunder".

ruptured

Focuses on the breaking or bursting of something, suggesting a more violent and sudden separation than "asunder".

into pieces

Emphasizes physical fragmentation, lacking the dramatic or figurative sense of "asunder".

in fragments

Indicates a state of being broken into small pieces, rather than the act of forceful separation implied by "asunder".

scattered

Highlights the dispersed arrangement of separated elements, differing from the more immediate and forceful sense of "asunder".

split up

Suggests division into distinct groups or components, which is less violent and more organized than "asunder".

separated

Indicates a general state of being divided, lacking the connotation of force or destruction present in "asunder".

in disarray

Implies a state of disorder and confusion, focusing on the aftermath of separation rather than the act itself as in "asunder".

FAQs

How can I use "asunder" in a sentence?

You can use "asunder" to describe something being violently or completely separated. For example, "The earthquake tore the city "asunder"".

What does "asunder" mean?

The word "asunder" means into separate parts or pieces; apart.

What can I say instead of "asunder"?

You can use alternatives like "apart", "into pieces", or "torn apart" depending on the context.

Is "asunder" formal or informal?

"Asunder" is generally considered a more formal or literary term. In everyday conversation, simpler alternatives are typically preferred.