had been severed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been severed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was cut off or separated in the past, often referring to physical objects or metaphorical connections. Example: "The connection between the two cities had been severed after the bridge collapsed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

My "sufficient local connection" had been severed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The connection had been severed––almost certainly by the authorities.

The New Yorker

The tendons in his right arm and hand had been severed.

The New York Times - Arts

Doctors said the boy's internal organs had been severed from repeated beatings, the police said.

The New York Times

It remained unclear if all service from the United States to Cuba had been severed.

The New York Times

Her left breast had been severed and her body, covered in bite marks, was badly beaten.

The Guardian

It was near Dawsonville, and the authorities said her head had been severed.

The New York Times

Harlem had been severed, in essence, from the island of Manhattan.

The New York Times

Joseph Kabila met in Goma to restore diplomatic relations between their countries, which had been severed in 1996.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Though he had once hoped to reunite with Takeda and their son, the relationship had been severed.

The New Yorker

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said that it was too early to say if the foot had been severed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "had been severed" when describing a past action where something was completely cut off or disconnected, whether physically or metaphorically. For instance, "Diplomatic ties had been severed after the conflict escalated."

Common error

Avoid using "had been severed" when you need a present perfect tense. Instead of "The connection had been severed", if it's recent, consider "The connection has been severed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been severed" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that an action of severing was completed before a specific point in the past. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing both physical and abstract separations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had been severed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase in English, primarily serving to describe a past action of cutting off or disconnecting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its versatility allows it to appear in diverse contexts ranging from news reports and encyclopedic entries to scientific publications. Its strength lies in specifying that the act of severing took place before another past event. When writing, remember to consider tense consistency and the precise nuance you wish to convey. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "was cut off" or "was disconnected".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had been ended

A simpler and more direct way of saying something has come to a conclusion.

was cut off

Replaces the passive perfect construction with a simple passive, emphasizing the action of cutting off.

was disconnected

Focuses on the state of being no longer connected, applicable to both physical and abstract connections.

was terminated

Implies a formal or official ending of something, often used for relationships or agreements.

was detached

Highlights the separation or removal of something from its original position.

had been broken

Suggests a forceful disruption or ending of a connection or relationship.

had been disrupted

Indicates an interruption or disturbance that led to a separation or disconnection.

had been isolated

Emphasizes the state of being separated and alone, often due to a deliberate act.

had been abolished

Implies the complete removal or ending of a system, practice, or institution.

had been dissolved

Suggests a gradual ending or disintegration of a relationship or entity.

FAQs

How can I use "had been severed" in a sentence?

Use "had been severed" to describe a state where something was completely cut off or disconnected in the past. For example: "The rope "had been severed" by the sharp edge."

What are some alternatives to "had been severed"?

You can use alternatives such as "was cut off", "was disconnected", or "was terminated" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "had been severed" or "was severed"?

Both phrases can be correct, but they indicate slightly different nuances. "Had been severed" implies the action occurred at a time before another point in the past, while "was severed" simply describes the state of being severed in the past.

What's the difference between "had been severed" and "has been severed"?

"Had been severed" refers to a past event that occurred before another event in the past. "Has been severed", on the other hand, indicates an action that happened at some point in the past and is relevant to the present.