it was crushed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was crushed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object that has been flattened or damaged, often as a result of pressure or impact. Example: "After the heavy truck passed over the cardboard box, it was crushed beyond recognition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The edifice didn't collapse on its own accord; it was crushed by sixty-eight-ton Abrams tanks.

The New Yorker

It was crushed for its wild success by the national government as a grassroots threat to the national currency.

HuffPost

Although the northern kingdom was often stronger than Judah to the south and enjoyed greater economic development, it was crushed by Assyria in 722, and much of its population was carried into captivity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, it was crushed at the 2015 general election, losing 10 of its Scottish seats at Westminster, including Kennedy's of Ross, Skye and Lochaber.

The Guardian

In a letter to backers today, Bay Area-based Mayfield Robotics said it was "crushed" to announce that it has ceased manufacturing of its home robot, Kuri.

TechCrunch

It was crushed during the shift.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was crushed by the collapse of the north tower.

The New York Times

What spirit I had wasn't raised; it was crushed".

The New York Times - Books

Before it was crushed, the Yugur Kingdom was in favor with the Hor (lit. benefitted by).

Columbia University

The reason why Islamic science failed to flourish is that it was crushed by Islamic theology.

Independent

It was crushed, but Bolívar was disheartened by the continued ingratitude of his former adherents.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was crushed", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While "it was crushed" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider active voice constructions like "the truck crushed it" for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was crushed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that 'it' (the subject) underwent the action of being crushed. This construction is widely used, as Ludwig AI confirms, in various contexts to describe damage, defeat, or suppression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was crushed" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to describe severe damage, destruction, or suppression. Ludwig AI confirms its broad applicability across various contexts. While overuse of passive voice should be avoided, "it was crushed" remains a clear and effective way to convey the state of something being severely impacted. It frequently appears in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, maintaining a neutral register appropriate for both general and specific use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was flattened

Focuses on the act of making something level or smooth by pressure.

it was smashed

Emphasizes the violent breaking of something into pieces.

it was defeated

Highlights the failure or loss in a competition or conflict.

it was quashed

Similar to suppressed, but often implies an official or legal action.

it was suppressed

Indicates the act of forcibly putting an end to something.

it was pulverized

Implies grinding or crushing something into a fine powder.

it was overwhelmed

Suggests being overpowered or submerged by something.

it was annihilated

Emphasizes complete destruction or obliteration.

it was overcome

Highlights the act of successfully dealing with or controlling a problem or feeling.

it was subjugated

Focuses on bringing someone or something under domination or control.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was crushed" to describe something that has been severely damaged or destroyed by pressure. For example, "The car "it was crushed" by a falling tree".

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it was smashed", "it was flattened", or "it was destroyed".

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing something being crushed?

While "it was crushed" is grammatically correct (passive voice), using the active voice (e.g., "the machine crushed it") can often make your writing more direct and impactful. The best choice depends on the context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "it was crushed" and "it was damaged"?

"It was crushed" implies a more severe form of damage, suggesting that something has been flattened or broken into pieces. "It was damaged" is a broader term that can refer to any kind of harm or impairment.