has been shattered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been shattered" is correct and can definitely be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that was once whole or complete, but has been destroyed or broken into pieces. Example: The glass vase, which had been a family heirloom for generations, has been shattered into a thousand pieces by the careless toddler.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The hierarchy has been shattered.

The New York Times - Magazine

Society has been shattered.

The Guardian

But now, even that has been shattered.

The New York Times

An extreme-weather record has been shattered.

The New York Times

But public confidence has been shattered.

The Economist

YET another illusion has been shattered.

The New York Times

Today, that myth has been shattered.

The New York Times

Japan's technological confidence has been shattered by quakes before.

Independent

Rove's aura of invincibility and omniscience has been shattered.

Independent

"This argument has been shattered by Fukushima," he said.

The New York Times

But our confidence in him has been shattered.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been shattered" to describe abstract concepts like trust or confidence, as well as physical objects. For instance, "Public trust has been shattered" is a common and effective usage.

Common error

Avoid using "has been shattered" excessively in emotionally charged writing. While it's appropriate for conveying significant damage, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider more nuanced language to describe emotional states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been shattered" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that something has undergone a process of being broken or destroyed. It's used to describe a completed action with lasting consequences, indicating a state of ruin. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been shattered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of complete destruction or fragmentation, both literally and figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in news and media sources, as well as formal and business contexts. When writing, be mindful of its strong connotations and consider nuanced alternatives if a less severe impact is intended. While the phrase is versatile, avoid overuse to preserve its effectiveness. It is found that this phrase is used to convey the severity and completeness of damage or destruction, whether physical or metaphorical and it emphasizes the irreversible nature of the change and its significant impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been ruined

Focuses on the state of being damaged or spoiled to the point of uselessness.

has been wrecked

Implies severe damage or destruction, often suggesting a violent or forceful cause.

has been destroyed

Indicates complete devastation or annihilation, leaving nothing intact.

has been crushed

Suggests that something has been broken or deformed under immense pressure.

has been devastated

Highlights the emotional or psychological impact of destruction.

has been broken

A general term for something being separated into pieces or ceasing to function.

has been demolished

Implies the deliberate act of tearing down or dismantling something.

has been dismantled

Suggests taking something apart piece by piece, often implying a loss of function.

has been disintegrated

Implies a breaking down into very small particles or a loss of cohesion.

has been obliterated

Indicates complete destruction, leaving no trace behind.

FAQs

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

The phrase "has been shattered" is used to describe something that has been broken or destroyed, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The vase "has been shattered" into pieces" or "His dreams "has been shattered" by the news".

What are some alternatives to using "has been shattered"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "has been destroyed", "has been ruined", or "has been demolished" to convey a similar meaning.

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

Yes, "has been shattered" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant damage or destruction in a serious or professional context. It appears frequently in news and media reports.

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

"Has been broken" is a more general term, while ""has been shattered"" implies a more violent or complete fragmentation. "Has been shattered" suggests something is broken into many small pieces.