be shattered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be shattered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is broken into pieces or to express emotional distress. Example: "After hearing the news, I felt as if my heart would be shattered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It can't be shattered.

The New York Times

But I'll be shattered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Susan Mary Alsop would be shattered.

The New York Times

Otherwise, the illusion would be shattered.

The New York Times - Tech

This narrow-mindedness had to be shattered.

The New York Times

But dreams will be shattered.

The Guardian

The illusion was asking to be shattered.

The Guardian

The secular world would be shattered, too.

The New York Times

"We thought our dreams were about to be shattered".

The New York Times - Sports

But now that huge achievement may be shattered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Murphy replied: "The little fellow will be shattered".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be shattered" to vividly describe the moment something breaks apart violently or is completely ruined, either physically or emotionally. It's most effective when conveying a sense of sudden and irreversible destruction.

Common error

Avoid using "be shattered" when describing minor disappointments or setbacks. Reserve it for situations involving significant loss, trauma, or destruction to maintain its impact and avoid sounding overly dramatic. More subtle alternatives may be more appropriate in less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be shattered" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state of being acted upon, where something undergoes fragmentation or destruction. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The examples show both literal and figurative applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be shattered" is a passive verb phrase effectively used to describe physical breakage or emotional devastation. Examples and Ludwig confirm its appropriate use across various contexts. While frequently found in News & Media, its vivid imagery should be reserved for impactful situations to avoid diluting its effect. Consider be destroyed or be crushed as alternatives when a less dramatic tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be destroyed

Focuses on complete obliteration or ruin, similar to being shattered in its ultimate consequence.

be crushed

Emphasizes the emotional impact of being overwhelmed or defeated.

be devastated

Highlights the feeling of extreme sadness and loss, akin to being emotionally shattered.

be ruined

Implies a state of irreparable damage or failure, similar to the consequences of being shattered.

be broken

Suggests a state of being fragmented or non-functional, much like something that has been shattered.

be demolished

Emphasizes complete destruction, often in a physical or structural sense.

be defeated

Focuses on the loss of hope and the feeling of being overcome by adversity.

be dismantled

Implies a systematic breaking down or taking apart, resulting in a shattered state.

be wrecked

Suggests severe damage or destruction, often in a violent or sudden manner.

be undone

Highlights the reversal of progress or the nullification of previous efforts, leaving a shattered outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "be shattered" to describe something that is broken violently into many pieces, such as "The window will be shattered by the explosion". It can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional devastation, like "His dreams will be shattered when he receives the rejection letter".

What's the difference between "be shattered" and "be destroyed"?

While both imply a state of ruin, "be shattered" suggests a breaking into many pieces, often with a sudden and violent impact. "Be destroyed" is a broader term that can encompass any form of obliteration, not necessarily involving fragmentation.

What can I say instead of "be shattered" to describe emotional distress?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "be devastated", "be crushed", or "be heartbroken". These phrases focus specifically on the emotional impact of a negative event.

Is it correct to say "dreams were shattered"?

Yes, "dreams were shattered" is a common and correct usage. It's a metaphorical way to express that someone's hopes and aspirations have been completely ruined or destroyed. The expression is supported by many examples.