broken into smithereens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "broken into smithereens" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been shattered or destroyed into very small pieces. Example: "After the explosion, the car was broken into smithereens, leaving nothing but debris behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

• The Shanksville runners have a tangible cause — to raise money to complete the memorial in western Pennsylvania where the plane that contained their loved ones broke into smithereens.

The New York Times - Sports

Meredith Blake, writing for the Los Angeles Times, remarked that the episode "may have been the worst one yet", and said that when Floyd called Liz a "badger", her heart broke into smithereens, "There's mean-funny, and then there's plain old mean.

Wikipedia

Now, however, Japanese scientists propose that the differences in abundance develop far from Earth, as hydrated rock in asteroids breaks into smithereens in collisions with other asteroids.

The New York Times - Science

Intact stores were broken into.

The New York Times

Her car was broken into.

The New York Times

It could be broken into.

WikiHow

Some rules were made to be broken, others smashed into smithereens.

Huffington Post

Like, "touch it slightly too hard, but ever so slightly mind you, yes, that slightly," and it'd smash into smithereens delicate.

Vice

It was a long way away from Mr. DiNizio's previous success in the late '80s, when the Smithereens hit it big with songs like "A Girl Like You," which broke into the Top 40 on the Billboard chart.

The New York Times

We broke into tears".

The New York Times

Both broke into laughter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "broken into smithereens" when you want to emphasize a dramatic or complete destruction. However, consider your audience and the tone of your writing; in formal contexts, a more literal description might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "broken into smithereens" in formal or technical writing. Its figurative nature can be perceived as unprofessional or lacking precision. Instead, opt for more specific and literal descriptions of the damage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broken into smithereens" functions as an idiom used to describe something that has been completely destroyed or shattered into very small pieces. It adds emphasis and a sense of finality to the description of destruction. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "broken into smithereens" is a vivid idiom used to describe complete destruction, according to Ludwig AI. While grammatically correct and found in sources like The New York Times and Wikipedia, it leans towards informal usage. Alternatives such as "shattered into pieces" or "reduced to rubble" might be more suitable for formal contexts. Use "broken into smithereens" to add emphasis and emotional impact, but be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your writing to avoid being perceived as overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shattered into pieces

Focuses on the act of breaking into multiple fragments without necessarily implying total destruction.

smashed to bits

Suggests a more violent and forceful breaking, emphasizing the small size of the resulting fragments.

demolished completely

Emphasizes the thoroughness of the destruction, implying nothing remains usable.

reduced to rubble

Presents the aftermath as consisting of broken stone and debris, often used for buildings or structures.

pulverized into dust

Implies a breaking down into a very fine powder, emphasizing the completeness of the destruction.

obliterated entirely

Highlights the complete removal or destruction of something, leaving no trace.

destroyed utterly

Emphasizes the totality of the destruction, leaving no part undamaged.

fragmented into shards

Focuses on sharp, broken pieces, often used for glass or brittle materials.

broken into fragments

Similar to "shattered into pieces" but slightly more formal.

crumbled to nothing

Implies a slow deterioration and breaking down into a negligible amount.

FAQs

What does "broken into smithereens" mean?

The phrase "broken into smithereens" means something has been completely shattered or destroyed into very small pieces. It's an emphatic way to describe destruction.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "broken into smithereens"?

It's appropriate to use "broken into smithereens" when you want to emphasize the completeness and violence of destruction, often in informal or descriptive writing. Be cautious about using it in formal or technical contexts.

What are some alternatives to "broken into smithereens"?

You can use alternatives like "shattered into pieces", "smashed to bits", or "reduced to rubble" depending on the context.

Is "broken into smithereens" a formal or informal expression?

"Broken into smithereens" is generally considered an informal expression. More formal alternatives might include "completely destroyed" or "reduced to fragments".