got torn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got torn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been ripped or damaged, often in a casual or informal context. Example: "My favorite shirt got torn during the game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"The foodies got torn," Dufour said.

The New Yorker

I hated how my clothes got torn, and I hated the superiority of Spindler's bizarre wall regalia.

The New Yorker

"He was the unofficial spokesman for hip-hop, and he got torn apart," she said.

The Guardian - Music

Nobody whacked Arya with a stick or trained her in any way; nobody got torn apart by dogs.

The New Yorker

But inevitably, some pages got torn, which was why he was repairing them with thin paper strips.

The New York Times

"But as the city became more cosmopolitan and smaller buildings got torn down, the weather vanes disappeared".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"He got tore up," Mr. McBride said.

The New York Times

Last year, Paraná teachers demanded a raise and got tear gas instead.

Huffington Post

Vaginas get torn.

The Guardian - Books

And then the caring gets torn asunder.

The New York Times - Books

We get torn to pieces.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got torn" to describe a physical tearing or ripping of an object or material. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something being severely criticized or defeated.

Common error

Avoid using "got torn" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "was lacerated" or "was ruptured" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got torn" functions primarily as a passive voice construction. It describes a state resulting from an action performed on the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got torn" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive voice construction. It is particularly useful for describing instances where something has been physically ripped or metaphorically 'torn apart'. Ludwig's analysis shows that this phrase is frequently found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for general discussions. While "got torn" is acceptable for most contexts, more formal alternatives like "was lacerated" or "was ruptured" may be preferred in academic or scientific writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was ripped

Focuses on the action of tearing, implying a forceful separation.

was damaged

A more general term indicating harm or impairment, not necessarily involving tearing.

was shredded

Implies a more violent and complete tearing into small pieces.

was lacerated

Suggests a rough or jagged tearing, often used in a medical context.

was ruptured

Indicates a sudden breaking or bursting open.

was demolished

Implies complete destruction or ruin.

was devastated

Focuses on the severe damage and negative impact.

was defeated

Used figuratively, indicating a loss or failure, especially in competition.

was overwhelmed

Suggests being overpowered or overcome by something.

was vanquished

A more formal term for being defeated or conquered.

FAQs

How can I use "got torn" in a sentence?

You can use "got torn" to describe physical damage (e.g., "My shirt got torn on the fence") or metaphorical damage (e.g., "His reputation got torn apart by the scandal").

What are some alternatives to "got torn"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "was ripped", "was damaged", or "was shredded".

Is "got torn" formal or informal?

"Got torn" leans towards the informal side. For formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "was lacerated" or "was ruptured".

Which is correct: "got torn" or "was torn"?

Both "got torn" and "was torn" are grammatically correct. "Was torn" is generally considered more formal, while "got torn" is more conversational.