it was dented

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was dented" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object that has been damaged or has a dent in it, typically referring to physical items like cars, furniture, or metal objects. Example: "After the accident, I noticed that it was dented on the side."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The dramatic gesture in cricket-mad India did not wholly end the opposition to the seed but it was dented.

The Economist

But the set-to, as brief as it was, dented the facade of bipartisanship and liberal support that the banks had worked so hard to build.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If it's dented, he'll pound it even.

The New York Times

As it is, Fabric's demise hasn't just had an impact on innumerable (presumably young) employees, it's dented London's financially and culturally crucial international reputation for vibrant nightlife (with a brand new 24-hour tube service).

The Guardian - Opinion

It is dented and damaged".

BBC

"Some of our brothers in the northern part of the country have made so much politics out of sharia that it is denting the image of Nigeria," said justice minister Bola Ige, who is Christian, recently.

The Guardian

It was Dent, the Old Etonian who read Greek and Latin for relaxation, and told war stories about his time in Nigeria for fun.

The Guardian

Sandy blew in a week before the election and by the time it blew out Mittmentum was dented, Bloomberg on board and New Jersey's Republican governor cooing.

The New York Times

The hood was dented.

The New York Times

In sum, the trade deficit will not be eliminated, but at least it will be dented.

The New York Times

Its image is dented.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was dented", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was dented" to describe abstract concepts like reputation or morale unless you intend to create a specific, somewhat jarring, metaphorical image. More precise terms like "damaged" or "undermined" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was dented" functions as a passive construction, describing a state resulting from an action. Ludwig examples show it used to describe physical damage or a metaphorical negative impact.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was dented" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe something that has sustained a physical indentation or, metaphorically, has been negatively impacted. Ludwig AI shows its primary function is to describe the state of an object or concept after it has undergone damage. While grammatically correct, the sources reveal that the expression is relatively rare, and primarily used in News & Media. It's crucial to ensure that the context clearly identifies the subject and that the metaphorical use aligns with the overall tone of the writing. More common alternatives include "it was damaged" or "it had a dent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was damaged

A more general term indicating harm, without specifying the type of damage. This is very similar in meaning.

it had a dent

This is a more literal description of the physical damage, specifically referring to a dent.

it suffered damage

This alternative emphasizes the negative experience of undergoing damage, adding a slightly stronger emotional tone.

it sustained damage

This alternative focuses on the action of receiving damage, rather than the resulting state. It's slightly more formal.

it incurred damage

Similar to 'it sustained damage', this also emphasizes the action and is suited for more formal contexts.

it was impaired

Suggests a reduction in functionality or quality due to damage; broader than just physical dents.

it bore the brunt

This suggests it received the main force of something damaging, implying a more significant impact.

it was compromised

Indicates that its integrity or quality has been negatively affected, which is a broader impact than just a physical dent.

it took a beating

An informal way of saying it was heavily damaged, often implying repeated or forceful impact.

it showed signs of wear

Focuses on the gradual accumulation of damage, rather than a single event causing a dent.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was dented" typically describes a physical object that has suffered a localized impact, resulting in a depression. For example, "After the hailstorm, the car's hood /s/it+was+dented/." You can also use it metaphorically to suggest something abstract has been negatively impacted.

What are some alternatives to "it was dented"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it was damaged", "it sustained damage", or "it had a dent".

Is it appropriate to use "it was dented" to describe a person's emotional state?

While you can use "it was dented" metaphorically, it's more common to describe a person's emotional state with words like "hurt", "affected", or "saddened". Using "it was dented" might sound unusual or even humorous.

What's the difference between "it was dented" and "it was scratched"?

"It was dented" indicates a localized impact causing a depression, while "it was scratched" implies a superficial mark on the surface. The former suggests a more significant impact than the latter.