it was shattered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was shattered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been broken into pieces, often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Example: "After the accident, the vase lay on the floor, and it was shattered into countless fragments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It was shattered here for nine months.

The New York Times

It was shattered in the earthquake.

The Guardian

It was shattered for good when he played Richard Nixon's inaugural ball in January 1969.

The Guardian - Music

It was shattered when he showed up as someone else — himself, they say — on the debate stage.

The New York Times

It was shattered by an earthquake in 1693 and owes some of its finest architecture to the ensuing reconstruction efforts.

Britannica

In particular, in the Alpine valleys, the locations of overdeepenings largely overlap with areas where the underlying bedrock has a low erosional resistance, or where it was shattered by faults.

Earth and Planetary Science Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"It was shattering.

Independent

"It was shattering for us.

The Guardian

For the workers, it was shattering.

The Guardian - Opinion

Delivered by one person, it would be powerful, and personal; delivered by two, speaking as one, it was shattering, universal.

The New Yorker

And it was shattering to Hénin when he, like everyone else, learned via the internet of his friend's death.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was shattered" to describe situations where something is suddenly and completely broken, either literally (like glass) or metaphorically (like a dream or hope).

Common error

Avoid using "it was shattered" for minor setbacks or disappointments. Reserve it for situations where the impact is truly significant and transformative, as overuse can dilute its emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was shattered" functions as a passive voice construction. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is generally used to describe something that has been broken into pieces, either literally or metaphorically, suggesting a state of destruction or ruin.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was shattered" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that has been broken, ruined, or destroyed. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, but also finds use in science and encyclopedia entries, showing its versatility across different registers. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the strong imagery it evokes, reserving it for situations of significant impact rather than minor disappointments. Consider alternatives like "it was destroyed" or "it was ruined" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was destroyed

Focuses on the complete ruin or demolition of something.

it was ruined

Emphasizes the damage or impairment of something's value or quality.

it was broken

Indicates a state of being fractured or damaged, either physically or metaphorically.

it was demolished

Highlights the forceful destruction of something, often a structure.

it was fragmented

Suggests that something has been broken into many small pieces.

it was crushed

Implies a forceful compression or breaking of something.

it was annihilated

Conveys the complete obliteration or destruction of something.

it was devastated

Focuses on the emotional or physical impact of destruction.

it was dismantled

Indicates that something was taken apart piece by piece.

it was wrecked

Implies severe damage or ruin, often in the context of vehicles or structures.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was shattered" to describe something literally broken, like "The glass "it was shattered" on the floor", or metaphorically, like "His dreams "it was shattered" when he didn't get the job".

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it was destroyed", "it was ruined", or "it was broken".

Is it correct to use "it was shattered" to describe emotional states?

Yes, "it was shattered" can be used metaphorically to describe emotional states, such as "His faith "it was shattered" after the betrayal".

What is the difference between "it was shattered" and "it was broken"?

While both describe damage, "it was shattered" implies a more forceful and complete breaking, often into many pieces. "It was broken" is a more general term for damage.