box was ripped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "box was ripped" is a proper and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when describing a scene in which a box is torn or damaged. For example, "The mailman arrived and, upon inspection, found the box was ripped and torn apart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Another, where the press box was ripped from its perch, may be condemned.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The boxes were ripped open and IV lines rushed to the pediatric ward.

The New York Times

In the corner, a box of canned chili set aside for emergencies was ripped open.

The Guardian - Books

Thes article originally appeared on VICE ID.

Vice

The black box was found about 30 meters [98 feet] down after it was ripped from its protective housing more than two weeks ago.

Vice

The front was ripped open with the name "Son of Beast" centered inside the box.

Wikipedia

That was ripped down.

The New Yorker

I was ripped".

The New York Times

He was ripped apart.

The Guardian

"Her dress was ripped.

The New York Times

It was stained. it was ripped.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "box was ripped" to vividly describe a scene where a box has been forcefully torn open or significantly damaged. It's effective in narratives or reports where the condition of the box is relevant.

Common error

While acceptable in many situations, avoid using "box was ripped" in highly formal or business communications. Opt for more neutral or technical language like "box was damaged" or "box showed signs of tampering" depending on the specific situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "box was ripped" functions as a passive construction describing the state of a box. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, making it suitable for descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "box was ripped" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe the condition of a box that has been forcefully torn or damaged. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general descriptive scenarios. While it is generally acceptable, it may be better to use more formal language in professional or business settings. The phrase functions as a passive construction, serving the communicative purpose of describing a physical state or event. Its register is generally neutral, though consideration should be given to audience and purpose in more formal contexts. Several alternative phrases, such as "box was damaged" or "box had a tear", can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

box was torn

Replaces "ripped" with a synonym, "torn", maintaining the same meaning but with a slightly different nuance.

box was damaged

Generalizes the damage, indicating that the box is in a state of disrepair without specifying the exact nature of the damage.

box was broken

Indicates that the box is no longer intact, implying that it has been fractured or separated into pieces.

box had a tear

Shifts the focus to the existence of a tear, rather than the action of ripping, highlighting the result of the damage.

box was slashed

Suggests the box was cut open with a sharp object.

box was punctured

Indicates the box has been pierced by something, resulting in a hole.

box was shredded

Implies the box was torn into many small pieces.

box was split open

Suggests the box was forcefully divided into separate parts.

box's contents were exposed

Focuses on the result of the damage, the visibility of the inside of the box.

box was compromised

Indicates the integrity of the box has been affected, often in a way that makes its contents vulnerable.

FAQs

How can I use "box was ripped" in a sentence?

You can use "box was ripped" to describe the condition of a box that has been torn open, such as, "The delivery arrived, but the "box was ripped", and some of the contents were missing."

What's a less informal alternative to "box was ripped"?

For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "box was damaged", "box was compromised", or "box had a tear depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "box was ripped" or "box was teared"?

"Box was ripped" is the correct phrasing. "Ripped" is the past participle of the verb "rip". "Teared" is the past tense of "tear", but "torn" is the past participle, and the sentence requires the past participle.

What's the difference between "box was ripped" and "box was torn"?

While both describe damage to a box, ""box was ripped"" suggests a more forceful and perhaps violent tearing action, while "box was torn" is a more general description of the damage. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.