in pieces

USAGE SUMMARY

"in pieces" is a valid phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could say, "The vase fell to the ground and shattered into a million pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it's in pieces.

The New York Times - Sports

Statues were in pieces.

The New York Times

In Pieces.

The New York Times

"Hummer should rest in pieces".

The New York Times

It was in pieces.

The New York Times - Magazine

The TV in pieces.

The Guardian - Film

I come in pieces".

The Guardian - Opinion

Some arrived in pieces.

The New York Times

I expect to do this in pieces.

The New York Times

Let's take this in pieces.

The Washington Post

Apple's Newton rests in pieces.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in pieces" to vividly describe physical objects that have broken apart, emotional states of distress, or complex processes broken down into smaller steps.

Common error

Avoid using "in pieces" to describe abstract concepts that are merely incomplete or unfinished. Instead, use phrases like "under development" or "still in progress".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in pieces" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. According to Ludwig, it indicates a state of being broken, fragmented, or emotionally devastated. For example, "The statue was in pieces" or "I am in pieces after hearing the news."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in pieces" is a common and versatile prepositional phrase used to describe physical fragmentation, emotional distress, or the breakdown of a complex entity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various contexts, from news reports and scientific articles to informal conversations. The phrase's neutrality makes it suitable for diverse registers, although it's most frequently encountered in news and media sources. Alternatives like "shattered" or "fragmented" can provide nuanced variations, but "in pieces" remains a reliable and readily understood expression for conveying a state of being broken or disintegrated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in fragments

Highlights the state of being reduced to small pieces.

shattered

Implies a sudden and forceful breaking into fragments.

fragmented

Suggests division into smaller, disconnected parts.

to smithereens

Suggests a violent shattering into very small fragments.

broken apart

Indicates a separation or disintegration.

destroyed

Conveys complete devastation and ruin.

in tatters

Emphasizes a state of disrepair and disintegration, often emotionally.

disintegrated

Indicates a gradual breaking down or decay.

dismembered

Implies the separation of limbs or parts from a whole.

torn to shreds

Suggests a violent ripping or tearing apart.

FAQs

How can I use "in pieces" in a sentence?

You can use "in pieces" to describe something physically broken, like "The vase was "smashed" and lay "in pieces" on the floor", or to describe someone emotionally devastated, such as "After the breakup, she felt like she was "in pieces"".

What is a good alternative to "in pieces"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "shattered", "fragmented", or "broken apart" to convey a similar meaning to "in pieces".

Is it correct to say "My heart is in pieces"?

Yes, the phrase "My heart is "in pieces"" is a common and accepted idiom to express deep sorrow or emotional distress.

What's the difference between "in pieces" and "in shreds"?

"In pieces" generally refers to something broken into multiple parts, while "in shreds" implies something torn or ripped into thin strips. Both convey damage, but the nature of the damage differs.