he was shattered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was shattered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is emotionally or physically broken, often after a traumatic event or experience. Example: "After hearing the news of his friend's passing, he was shattered and could barely speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

When he did not get it, he was shattered.

The New York Times

"He was shattered when he came back," recalled Sarayu.

The Guardian

He was shattered when he got home and so was Sharon.

Independent

In the final moments, caught in the suddenly single Henry's triumphant bear hug, he was shattered.

Independent

He was shattered by the discovery and hated the name of Dickens thereafter.

The Guardian - Books

People who have spoken with him said Saturday that he was shattered by the loss of his wife.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He's shattered irreparably something she considers an essential component of their relationship: absolute commitment.

The Guardian - Film

By the end of Nottage's play, he is shattered, stumbling across the bar with the tentative help of younger guys who are slowly learning to give him a hand.

The New Yorker

"We spoke to Waswa yesterday, he's equally devastated - he's trying to hold it together but he's shattered because of course they were really close," she said.

BBC

Now, he is shattering marathon records.

The New York Times - Sports

When he erupts into violent confrontation he is shattering.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was shattered" to convey a strong emotional impact, but consider your audience and context. In formal writing, "he was devastated" might be a more appropriate alternative.

Common error

While effective, "he was shattered" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "he was devastated", "he was heartbroken", or describing the specific ways the person was affected emotionally or physically.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was shattered" functions as a descriptive statement, portraying an individual's state of being after experiencing significant emotional or physical trauma. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it expressing deep distress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was shattered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone experiencing intense emotional or physical distress. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources, primarily in the news and media. When writing, consider the context and audience; while "shattered" is generally acceptable, alternatives like "devastated" might be more suitable in formal settings. Avoid overuse by employing varied vocabulary to depict the depth of emotion, and be mindful of potential misinterpretations. The phrase effectively conveys profound impact, making it a powerful tool in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was devastated

This alternative directly replaces "shattered" with a synonym indicating a state of extreme distress and grief.

he was heartbroken

Focuses on the emotional pain, specifically related to loss or disappointment, similar to being shattered.

he was crushed

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed and defeated, mirroring the impact of being shattered.

he was dismayed

This alternative highlights the feeling of being upset and let down, a milder version of being shattered.

he was despondent

Indicates a state of low spirits and hopelessness, reflecting the emotional aftermath of being shattered.

he was gutted

Expresses a feeling of emptiness and profound disappointment, similar to the internal impact of being shattered.

he was demoralized

Focuses on the loss of morale and confidence, which can result from being shattered by events.

he was grief-stricken

Highlights the intense sorrow and mourning experienced, comparable to the emotional weight of being shattered.

he was in despair

Indicates a state of hopelessness and loss of courage, akin to the emotional fallout of being shattered.

he was overwhelmed

Captures the feeling of being intensely affected and burdened, reflecting the impact of a shattering experience.

FAQs

What does "he was shattered" mean?

The phrase "he was shattered" means that someone is emotionally or psychologically broken, usually due to a profoundly upsetting or disappointing experience. It suggests a state of devastation and vulnerability.

What can I say instead of "he was shattered"?

You can use alternatives like "he was devastated", "he was heartbroken", or "he was crushed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he was shattered" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "he was shattered" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, alternatives like "he was devastated" may be preferred.

How does "he was shattered" compare to "he was disappointed"?

"He was disappointed" suggests a mild sense of letdown, while "he was shattered" implies a much deeper and more profound emotional impact. "He was shattered" indicates a state of being emotionally broken or severely damaged, unlike the more moderate feeling of disappointment.