it tore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it tore" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action where something has been ripped or damaged, typically referring to fabric, paper, or similar materials. Example: "As I pulled the shirt from the hanger, it tore along the seam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It tore under its own weight, releasing a small cloud of steam.

The New York Times - Food

Well, I don't eat cakes!' Whereupon it tore off its face and ate it.

Vice

It tore.

Independent

"It tore me up".

The New York Times

It tore my earring out".

The New York Times

It tore away.

The New Yorker

It tore holes in the stucco.

The New Yorker

"It tore my stomach up.

The New York Times - Sports

"It tore off half the cabinet doors".

The New York Times - Travel

At the time, it tore at my self-confidence.

University of California, Berkeley

It tore through this place like a pile of toothpicks".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it tore", ensure the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "tore" with abstract nouns that don't typically undergo physical ripping. For emotional distress, consider phrases like "it devastated" or "it troubled" instead of "it tore my heart".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it tore" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "it" serves as the subject and "tore" is the past tense of the verb 'tear'. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in describing physical actions, like tearing fabric, as well as emotional impacts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it tore" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of something being ripped or forcibly separated. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, as supported by the provided examples from diverse sources. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, though it's most frequently found in news and media. While "it tore" can be used literally, it is often used metaphorically to describe emotional distress or significant disruption. Remember to choose more precise synonyms, like "it ripped" or "it shattered", to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ripped

Focuses on the action of ripping, suggesting a sudden and often violent separation.

it ripped apart

Similar to "it ripped" but with more emphasis on the violence of the separation.

it broke apart

Emphasizes the fragmentation of something into multiple pieces.

it was ruptured

Highlights the state of being broken or torn open, often due to internal pressure or external force.

it shattered

Implies a forceful breaking into many small pieces, often associated with brittle materials.

it fractured

Indicates a cracking or breaking, especially of a hard object or material.

it burst

Suggests a sudden and forceful expansion leading to a rupture.

it was severed

Emphasizes a clean and complete cut, often implying a detachment of one part from another.

it cleaved

Implies a sharp and clean division, as if by a cutting tool.

it disintegrated

Suggests a complete breakdown into constituent parts, often implying a loss of structural integrity.

FAQs

How can I use "it tore" in a sentence?

You can use "it tore" to describe something being ripped or forcibly separated. For example, "The wind was so strong that "it tore" the banner from its moorings".

What are some alternatives to "it tore"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it ripped", "it broke", or "it shattered".

Which is more appropriate, "it tore" or "it was torn"?

"It tore" is active voice, while "it was torn" is passive voice. Use "it tore" when you want to emphasize the action of something tearing, and "it was torn" when you want to emphasize the state of being torn.

What is the difference between "it tore" and "it ripped"?

While both convey a forceful separation, "it ripped" often implies a more sudden and violent action, whereas "it tore" can suggest a more gradual or sustained force.