has been severed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been severed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been cut off or separated, often in a metaphorical sense, such as a relationship or connection. Example: "After the argument, their friendship has been severed, and they no longer speak to each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"With each speaker's death another vital artery has been severed".

The New Yorker

The country's main highway has been severed and bridges destroyed.

The Guardian - Business

The concrete slab they rest on has been severed from the shore.

The New York Times - Arts

One sewage outflow pipe, serving nearly half a million people, has been severed.

The Guardian

The relationship between productivity and wages has been severed, with miserable consequences for household income.

The Guardian - Opinion

Electrical and phone service were restored this morning, but the city's water main has been severed.

The New York Times

Originally the restaurant owned an interest in the building, but the connection has been severed.

The New Yorker

Today's public anger rises from the belief that this connection has been severed in one realm after another.

The New York Times

Ms. Sufrad is a monument to the past in a nation that has been severed from it.

The New York Times

As the direct link between bicep and control surface has been severed, it has rendered much of Gulliver's skill obsolete.

The Economist

You read in the nurse's fallen face the sudden realization that the soldier's spine has been severed.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been severed" to denote a complete and often irreversible break or separation. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being severed from what.

Common error

Avoid using "has been severed" in casual or mundane situations where a simpler term like "disconnected" or "ended" would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been severed" functions as a passive voice construction of the verb "sever", indicating that something has been cut off or separated. Ludwig shows its use in describing both physical disconnections and metaphorical breaks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been severed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a complete disconnection or separation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for formal and neutral contexts, commonly appearing in news and media, as well as encyclopedias. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a decisive break is intended, to prevent diluting its impact. Alternatives include "has been cut off" and "has been disconnected", which can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been cut off

Indicates a physical or metaphorical separation, similar to severing.

has been disconnected

Implies a break in connection, whether physical or abstract.

has been detached

Suggests a removal or separation from something larger.

has been terminated

Emphasizes the end or conclusion of a relationship or connection.

has been broken

Highlights the shattering or disruption of a bond or link.

has been disrupted

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance of a connection.

has been abolished

Suggests a formal or official ending or removal.

has been dissolved

Indicates a disintegration or breaking apart of a union.

has been ruptured

Implies a forceful or sudden breaking of a connection.

has been isolated

Focuses on the state of being separated and alone.

FAQs

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

You can use "has been severed" to describe a physical disconnection, like "The cable "has been severed"", or a metaphorical one, such as "Their relationship "has been severed" after the argument".

What are some alternatives to "has been severed"?

Alternatives include "has been cut off", "has been disconnected", or "has been terminated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "has been severed" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been severed" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a significant or decisive break. It's commonly found in news articles, academic papers, and business reports.

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

"Has been severed" implies a complete cutting or separation, while "has been broken" suggests damage or a breach that may or may not be complete. For example, a bone can be broken, but a rope is more likely to be severed.