fractured pieces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fractured pieces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe broken or damaged parts of something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as emotions or relationships. Example: "After the argument, their friendship felt like a collection of fractured pieces, struggling to come together again."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Naturally fractured pieces of rock with sharp edges that could cut were the first tools; they were followed by intentionally chipped stones.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Come meet Granny's chicken," Mr. Rushing said, leading the way to a shrine of sorts to his grandmother: an upturned old-time bathtub decked out in glass doorknobs and shards of old mirrors (which reflect fractured pieces of the garden as well as any visitor's face), surrounded by plastic white calla lilies and tall sticks of rebar topped with upside-down blue bottles.

The New York Times

These diameters are measured by joining fractured pieces.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Narrative literature and film rely on evolved linguistic reconstruction processes that allow story to be reconstructed from fractured pieces of discourse.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Tensile testing of high-carbon steel wires less than 0.296 mm in diameter was performed by applying an initial load ranging from 0.5 to 3 N to the wire, and after testing, the fractured pieces were observed via SEM.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling like I needed to physically hold myself together because it felt like my heart was shattering into a million fractured pieces.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The sample stage was replaced in the SEM, and the fractured piece was again observed.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

After observing the fractured piece, the sample stage was removed from the SEM.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

A straight line lD was drawn along the outline of the wire on one side of the SEM image of the fractured piece after tensile testing.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Before applying this, though, the validity of the calculation method for reduction of area using SEM images of a fractured piece must be established.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Sample of SEM images of (a) the wire before tensile testing and (b) the fractured piece after tensile testing are shown in Fig. 16.

International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fractured pieces" metaphorically, ensure the image aligns with the intended emotional or conceptual impact. For example, "The relationship was reduced to fractured pieces after years of neglect."

Common error

Avoid using "fractured pieces" in overly dramatic or clichéd contexts. Aim for fresh and original imagery to enhance the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fractured pieces" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "fractured" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "pieces". Ludwig examples confirm its role in describing physical or abstract entities that are broken or fragmented.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fractured pieces" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe items or concepts that have been broken into fragments. Ludwig confirms that its versatility extends to both physical and metaphorical contexts, conveying a sense of damage or incompleteness. While applicable across various registers, it is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific contexts. When writing, aim for originality to avoid clichés, and consider simpler alternatives if appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fractured segments

Uses a synonym for pieces but with a high degree of interchangeability with the source term.

broken fragments

Emphasizes the broken aspect and small size of the pieces.

broken segments

Simple alternative with both words being synonyms of fractured pieces.

shattered remnants

Highlights the violent nature of the breakage and the idea of remaining parts.

splintered fragments

Suggests a sharp, uneven break, often associated with wood or glass.

fragmented components

Implies that something was disassembled into its individual parts after being fractured.

cracked segments

Focuses on the presence of cracks as a form of breakage.

ruptured portions

Indicates a sudden and forceful break, often in a contained structure.

dismembered sections

Emphasizes the separation and individualization of the fractured pieces.

segmented shards

Highlights the sharpness and separateness of the resulting fractured components.

FAQs

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

You can use "fractured pieces" to describe physical objects that have broken into multiple parts, such as "The vase lay in "fractured pieces" on the floor". It can also be used metaphorically to describe intangible things like relationships or emotions.

What's a good alternative to "fractured pieces"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "fractured pieces" include "broken fragments", "shattered remnants", or "splintered fragments".

Is it ever incorrect to use "fractured pieces"?

While grammatically correct, using "fractured pieces" might be less effective if a simpler term like "broken pieces" is more appropriate for the context. Consider your audience and the desired level of formality.

What does "fractured pieces" mean when used metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "fractured pieces" suggests that something is damaged, incomplete, or in disarray. For example, "Her memories were like "fractured pieces", difficult to assemble into a coherent whole".