it was severed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was severed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been cut off or separated from something else, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "After the accident, it was severed from the main pipeline, causing a significant leak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

In an experiment widely reported in the Soviet press, a dog's head was kept alive for several minutes after it was severed from its body.

Vice

Although it was severed from its feet and pedestal, which were left behind at a remote Cambodian archaeological site, Sotheby's says there is no proof that it was taken illegally.

The New York Times - Arts

The ancient statue's twin, which U.S. authorities contend was removed at the same time from the temple at Koh Ker when it was severed from its pedestal, leaving matching feet behind, was bought by Norton Simon in 1976.

Los Angeles Times

"It was severed at three different places in the knee...

The Washington Post

Then it was severed, and now it's coming back.

Harvard Business Review

He told the newspaper: "It was severed about four inches above the ankle.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

One large system, Catholic Healthcare West in San Francisco, announced in January that it was severing its formal ties to the church to better work with hospitals that did not share its faith.

The New York Times

Even before it officially announced last week that it was severing its ties with Cuba, Davidoff International, which makes some of the most expensive and prestigious cigars, had shifted its production to the Dominican Republic.

The New York Times

Last week, the Jim Henson Company announced it was severing its partnership with Chick-fil-A over Cathy's professed anti-gay stance, while celebrities like "Hangover" star Ed Helms and "Glee" actor Grant Gustin have expressed their distaste for the fast food company.

Huffington Post

Burkina Faso said earlier on Thursday that it was severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan for the second time.

The Guardian

On Monday, the company said that it was severing all ties with Mr. Mahoney's campaign and that it had no knowledge of the promises to Ms. Allen for employment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was severed" to clearly indicate a forceful or complete separation. Consider the context to ensure the term accurately reflects the nature of the separation, whether physical or metaphorical.

Common error

While "it was severed" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider using active voice when appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement, such as "someone severed it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was severed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (the 'it') underwent the action of being cut or separated. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was severed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction indicating a forceful or complete separation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is valid in English and can be found in diverse contexts, including news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. When writing with the expression "it was severed" be aware of passive voice overuse and select an alternative which is more appropriate to your target and audience. Alternatives such as "it was cut off", "it was detached", and "it was disconnected" can be used, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was cut off

This alternative emphasizes the act of cutting as the method of separation.

it was detached

This highlights a more gentle or planned separation, rather than a forceful one.

it was disconnected

This is suitable when referring to a break in a connection, either physical or abstract.

it was separated

This is a general term for being set apart, without specifying the means.

it was partitioned

This implies a division into sections or parts.

it was isolated

This suggests that something was made separate and alone.

it was amputated

Specifically refers to the surgical removal of a limb or body part.

it was cleaved

Suggests a sharp division, often along a natural line or plane.

it was disjointed

Indicates that something has been separated and is no longer connected properly.

it was bisected

Means it was divided into two equal parts.

FAQs

How is "it was severed" used in a sentence?

Use "it was severed" to describe something that has been forcibly cut or separated from something else. For example: "The cable "it was severed" during the storm."

What are some alternatives to "it was severed"?

Alternatives include "it was cut off", "it was detached", or "it was disconnected", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it was severed" instead of "it was cut"?

"It was severed" implies a more forceful or complete separation than "it was cut". Use "it was severed" when emphasizing the finality or severity of the separation.

Is "it was severed" formal or informal?

"It was severed" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.