has been torn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been torn" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been ripped or damaged in the past and is still in that state. Example: "The letter has been torn, making it difficult to read the contents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"A family has been torn apart.

The New York Times

But he has been torn about it.

The New York Times

Now the veil has been torn aside.

The Guardian - Opinion

Recto leaf for opening 75 has been torn out.

Yale University

Japan has been torn in so many directions.

The New Yorker

Its protective plastic wrap has been torn off.

The New York Times

Latterly, it has been torn by civil war.

The Economist

The report notes that an earlobe has been torn.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"This has been tearing our community apart".

The Guardian

She has been tearing around the Bronx and Upper Manhattan.

The New York Times

"But this has been tearing our community apart.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts such as relationships or agreements, use "has been torn" to convey a sense of severe damage or irreparable breach. For instance, "The agreement between the two countries has been torn, leading to renewed conflict."

Common error

Avoid using "has been torn" when describing minor damage. Phrases like "slightly damaged" or "a little worn" are more appropriate for less severe situations. For instance, instead of saying "The book cover has been torn", consider "The book cover is slightly worn" if the damage is minimal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been torn" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject has undergone an action performed by an external force. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical structure and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been torn" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a state of forceful separation or damage. As noted by Ludwig AI, it functions as a passive construction with a neutral register, making it versatile for diverse writing contexts. Analysis of the examples reveals its frequent use in news and media, academic, and scientific domains. While direct synonyms like ""has been ripped"" exist, choosing the most accurate term depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis. It's crucial to avoid overusing this phrase in situations where milder language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been ripped

Direct synonym, replacing "torn" with "ripped" maintaining the same sense of forceful separation.

has been shredded

Suggests a more violent and complete destruction into small pieces.

has been destroyed

Implies complete ruin or devastation.

has been devastated

Similar to destroyed, but more emphasizes the emotional impact.

has been damaged

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

has been ravaged

Conveys a sense of severe damage and destruction, often by natural forces or conflict.

has been fractured

Suggests a breaking or cracking, often used for relationships or structures.

has been disrupted

Implies an interruption or disturbance of something.

has been dismantled

Indicates that something has been taken apart piece by piece.

has been undone

Implies that something has been reversed or negated.

FAQs

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

Use "has been torn" to describe something that has been forcefully separated or damaged, such as "The document "has been torn" in half" or "The nation "has been torn" by civil war".

What are some alternatives to "has been torn"?

Alternatives include "has been ripped", "has been shredded", "has been damaged", depending on the severity and nature of the damage.

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

Yes, "has been torn" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a situation involving forceful separation or significant damage. However, consider the specific context and whether a more precise term might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "has been torn" and "has been ripped"?

While both indicate forceful separation, "ripped" often implies a quicker, more violent action, whereas "torn" can suggest a slower or more deliberate act. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but the nuance can affect the impact of your writing.