have been shattered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been shattered" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is the past participle form of the verb "shatter," and is commonly used to indicate that something has been broken or completely destroyed. Example: The vase, which had been passed down through generations, lay in pieces on the floor. Its delicate frame and intricate designs had been shattered beyond repair.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Careers have been shattered.

The Economist

Orthodoxies have been shattered.

The New York Times

But those dreams have been shattered.

The New York Times

His dreams have been shattered by this.

The Guardian

But those hopes have been shattered.

The Guardian

"Their identities have been shattered by immigration.

The New York Times - Magazine

Too many lives have been shattered for that.

The Economist

"Their feelings about the court," she said, "have been shattered".

The New York Times

I could have been shattered to fucking dust.

The Guardian - Film

Retirement plans have been shattered with devastating consequences".

The Guardian - Money

Whatever hopes lingered that engagement might nudge him toward change have been shattered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have been shattered" to describe a situation where something has been completely destroyed, either physically or metaphorically, and there's a sense of finality. This implies a state beyond simple damage.

Common error

Avoid using "have been shattered" when describing minor damages or setbacks. The phrase implies a complete and often irreparable destruction, so reserve it for situations of significant impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been shattered" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that something has undergone complete destruction or ruin. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its application in diverse contexts, from shattered dreams to shattered illusions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have been shattered" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive perfect construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the complete destruction or ruin of something, whether tangible or abstract. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase carries a neutral tone and is suitable for formal and informal contexts alike. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation, reserving it for instances of significant and irreversible impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been destroyed

Replaces "shattered" with a more general term for ruined or ended.

have been ruined

Focuses on the irreparable damage or decay of something.

have been demolished

Emphasizes the complete tearing down or destruction of something, often a structure or system.

have been crushed

Highlights the idea of being overpowered or suppressed completely.

have been decimated

Indicates a severe reduction or destruction, often referring to populations or resources.

have been broken

Suggests a state of being damaged or fragmented, similar to shattered but less forceful.

have been annihilated

Conveys the complete obliteration or eradication of something.

have been eradicated

Implies a complete removal or elimination, often used for problems or diseases.

have been dismantled

Focuses on the systematic taking apart of something, often a system or organization.

have been overturned

Highlights the reversal or nullification of a decision, system, or belief.

FAQs

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

You can use "have been shattered" to describe something that is completely destroyed or ruined. For example, "His dreams "have been shattered" by the accident".

What are some alternatives to "have been shattered"?

Alternatives include "have been destroyed", "have been ruined", or "have been demolished", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "have been shattered" is appropriate for formal writing when describing significant destruction or ruin. Its appropriateness depends more on the context than the level of formality.

What is the difference between "have been broken" and "have been shattered"?

"Have been broken" implies damage or fragmentation, while ""have been shattered"" suggests a more complete and often irreparable destruction. "Shattered" carries a stronger sense of finality.