be torn with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be torn with" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a state of inner conflict or emotional struggle regarding a decision or feeling. Example: "She was torn with indecision about whether to accept the job offer or stay in her current position."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She may also be torn with guilt regarding supporting her mother since she is living with her.

Huffington Post

Why do I have to be torn with the filling of sadness and missing a loved one ALL of the time?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

My body is torn with terrible sobs.

Independent

After being torn with wool combers' irons, Blaise was beheaded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some semen auras glowed with charity; others were torn with enticing holes of savagery; still others flickered and dimmed with substandard voltage.

The New Yorker

And Clare Davis is torn with to-and-fro conflicting emotions: "good to see GU impartiality at play and OBO coverage of both semis.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm torn with it.

BBC

When I went there, the Department of Political Science was torn with very tough conflicts among the faculty, they hated each other.

Journal of Organization Design

I'm torn with the new Spectre x360: I recommended it wholeheartedly last year, as did a number of other publications.

TechCrunch

However, in this area I am torn with my own rationalization of the future of a driverless world.

TechCrunch

Clearly, Danae is torn with ambivalence.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be torn with" to convey a sense of strong emotional conflict or distress, especially when someone is struggling with difficult choices or feelings. It adds emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be torn with" to describe physical damage or separation. This phrase primarily refers to emotional or mental states of conflict. For physical descriptions, use phrases like "torn apart" or "ripped".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be torn with" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to describe a state of emotional distress or inner conflict. Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in expressing deep feelings like guilt, sadness, or ambivalence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be torn with" effectively describes a state of significant emotional conflict or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, although its frequency is relatively uncommon. It's most often found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, suggesting a broader appeal. To avoid misuse, remember that "be torn with" should primarily describe emotional states, not physical conditions. When a less emotive or more formal tone is required, consider using alternatives like "conflicted about" or "divided between".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be conflicted about

Focuses more on the conflicting nature of thoughts or feelings, rather than the emotional distress implied by "torn".

be wrestling with

Implies a struggle or difficulty in dealing with a problem or decision, emphasizing the active process of grappling with something.

be in turmoil over

Highlights a state of intense emotional disturbance or agitation regarding a specific issue.

be struggling with conflicting emotions

Explicitly mentions the struggle with emotions, providing a more detailed explanation than "be torn with".

be divided between

Emphasizes the division or separation of loyalties, interests, or feelings, often in relation to choices.

be ambivalent about

Focuses on having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone.

be of two minds about

Highlights the indecision and uncertainty, portraying the conflicting thoughts in a more conversational tone.

be caught between a rock and a hard place

An idiomatic expression that emphasizes being in a difficult situation with no good options.

face a dilemma regarding

Highlights a situation involving a choice between equally undesirable options.

experience inner conflict concerning

A more formal and psychological way of describing the internal struggle, highlighting the conflict within oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "be torn with" in a sentence?

Use "be torn with" to describe a state of emotional conflict or distress caused by difficult choices or feelings. For example: "She was "torn with guilt" after lying to her friend".

What phrases are similar to "be torn with"?

Alternatives include phrases like "conflicted about", "wrestling with", or "in turmoil over". Each conveys a slightly different nuance of inner struggle.

Is it appropriate to use "be torn with" in formal writing?

While "be torn with" is grammatically correct, it carries a strong emotional connotation. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "divided between" or "ambivalent about" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "be torn with" and "be torn between"?

"Be torn with" typically refers to an emotional state, such as "be "torn with anxiety"", while "be torn between" refers to a choice between options, such as "be torn between two job offers".