he was crushed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was crushed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is emotionally devastated or physically harmed, depending on the context. Example: "After hearing the news of his friend's betrayal, he was crushed and couldn't find the strength to get out of bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was crushed.

The New Yorker

He said he was "crushed".

The New York Times

He was crushed to death.

The Guardian

I think he was crushed.

The New Yorker

He was crushed, but did not give up.

The New York Times

The authorities said he was crushed by a falling tree.

The New York Times

He was crushed when Atlanta lost the 1991 World Series.

The New York Times

He was crushed by the hostile reception it got.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was crushed and said he envied Patrick.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He was crushed that she would feel this way.

The New York Times

He was crushed under the tires of the van".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "he was devastated" or "he was shattered" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

While "he was crushed" is a powerful expression, overuse in minor situations can diminish its impact. Reserve it for scenarios where the emotional or physical blow is genuinely significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was crushed" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, portraying a state of being overwhelmed either physically or emotionally. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was crushed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe someone experiencing intense emotional distress or physical harm. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and wide application. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media contexts, conveying a significant impact. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the emotional or physical blow is genuinely substantial. Consider using synonyms to add variety and avoid overuse. Overall, "he was crushed" is a powerful and effective way to communicate a sense of devastation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he felt devastated

Focuses on the emotional impact, emphasizing a feeling of intense sadness and loss.

he was heartbroken

Specifically highlights the emotional pain, often related to loss or disappointment in love or close relationships.

he felt defeated

Emphasizes the loss of hope and the sense of having been overcome by circumstances or opponents.

he was overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being burdened or overcome by intense emotion or circumstances.

he was shattered

Indicates a more intense level of emotional breakage, suggesting that something has been irreparably damaged.

he was demoralized

Suggests a loss of confidence or enthusiasm, typically due to a setback or failure.

he was flattened

Implies a sudden and forceful impact, either physically or emotionally, that leaves the person weakened.

he was beaten

Focuses on the result of a struggle, emphasizing the loss or failure.

he was undone

Highlights the feeling of being completely ruined or defeated, often due to a specific event or circumstance.

he was destroyed

Implies a total loss or ruin, either emotionally or physically.

FAQs

How can I use "he was crushed" in a sentence?

Use "he was crushed" to describe a state of intense emotional distress or physical harm. For example: "After losing the competition, "he was crushed" by disappointment" or "He was crushed under the weight of the fallen debris".

What are some alternatives to saying "he was crushed"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "he was devastated", "he was heartbroken", or "he was defeated".

Is it correct to say "he was crushed" in formal writing?

Yes, "he was crushed" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing, especially when describing strong emotional or physical impacts. However, consider the tone and appropriateness for the specific context.

What's the difference between "he was crushed" and "he was hurt"?

"He was crushed" implies a greater degree of emotional or physical damage than "he was hurt". "Hurt" suggests a milder form of injury or distress.