broken pieces

USAGE SUMMARY

"broken pieces" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been ruptured, shattered, or fragmented, such as a relationship or a ceramics object. For example: "She felt overwhelmed by all the broken pieces of her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this instance, brush the glue lightly along both broken edges and press the broken pieces together gently.

WikiHow

Or, you can use delicious broken pieces of sugared nuts (for example, broken pieces of toasted or sugared pecans with caramel sauce over vanilla ice cream make a Turtle Sundae) Add chocolate or candies.

WikiHow

They hawk used wiring, old magazines, broken pieces of plumbing.

The Economist

Melting plastic to bond broken pieces together warps their space.

The New York Times - Science

In the "Mend Piece" exhibit, broken pieces of crockery are laid out on a large table.

The New York Times

Other surfaces e.g., broken pieces of pottery, lead, wood, and even cloth were also used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"For pity's sake," Bonita said, bending down to pick up the broken pieces.

The New Yorker

A ministry worker wearing a white coat and rubber gloves picked through rubble, collecting broken pieces.

The Guardian

They believe they have assembled most of last season's missing or broken pieces.

The New York Times - Sports

By 1962, The New York Times reported that riggers were repairing broken pieces all year round.

The New York Times

To me, this case shows one of the disastrously broken pieces of our health care system".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "broken pieces" metaphorically (e.g., "broken pieces of a relationship"), ensure the context clearly indicates the abstract meaning to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "broken pieces" when "damaged" or "incomplete" more accurately describes the state, especially when referring to abstract concepts. "Broken pieces" implies a shattering, not just imperfection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "broken pieces" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes items or concepts that have been fractured or fragmented. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it can refer to physical objects or abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

26%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "broken pieces" is a common noun phrase used to describe both physical and abstract concepts that have been fragmented or shattered. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and used in various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Science. While generally neutral in register, context dictates its formality. Remember to consider whether literal or figurative meaning is intended. For greater formality, alternatives such as "damaged remnants" or "fragmented remains" may be preferable. The phrase is frequently used, making it easy to find relevant examples across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shattered fragments

Emphasizes the violent nature of the breakage, suggesting a more forceful shattering.

damaged remnants

Focuses on the idea that the pieces are not just broken, but also damaged and what remains of something.

splintered segments

Implies that the pieces are long, thin, and sharp, as if splintered from wood or glass.

fragmented remains

Highlights the incomplete and scattered nature of what's left.

ruptured components

Suggests that the original whole was made up of separate, identifiable components that are now broken.

disintegrated parts

Emphasizes the complete breakdown and loss of cohesion.

dismembered sections

Implies a violent separation of parts, often used metaphorically.

fractured segments

Focuses on the presence of cracks and breaks rather than complete separation.

split fragments

Highlights the act of something being split into smaller pieces.

smashed bits

This is a less formal expression which emphasizes the violent breaking of something into small, often irregular pieces.

FAQs

How can I use "broken pieces" in a sentence?

You can use "broken pieces" to describe physical objects, like "The vase lay in "broken pieces" on the floor" or to describe emotional states, such as "She tried to pick up the "broken pieces" of her life after the divorce".

What's the difference between "broken pieces" and "shattered fragments"?

"Broken pieces" is a general term for something that has been broken apart. "Shattered fragments" implies a more forceful and violent breaking, resulting in smaller, sharper pieces. Use shattered fragments when you want to emphasize the violence of the breakage.

What can I say instead of "broken pieces" to sound more formal?

More formal alternatives to "broken pieces" include "damaged remnants", "fragmented remains", or "ruptured components" depending on the context. These alternatives lend a more serious or technical tone.

Is it correct to use "broken pieces" when referring to emotional or mental states?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable and common to use "broken pieces" metaphorically to describe emotional or mental states. For example, you might say someone is trying to put the "broken pieces" of their life back together after a traumatic event.