it was shattering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was shattering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an experience or event that was emotionally devastating or overwhelming. Example: "When I received the news of her passing, it was shattering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It was shattering.

Independent

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

Many people weren't sure how to observe the anniversary of a tragedy that was as unifying as it was shattering.

The Guardian

It was shattering and fascinating, emotional without any words, and the kind of thing that could be made only by people whose lives had been crisscrossing for a long time.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

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

From 1945 it was shattered and split for almost half a century.

BBC

Then it was shattered into powders, and the powders were heated under reflux with water or alcohol for 4 h.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was shattering" to describe moments that cause significant emotional or psychological distress. It's particularly effective when conveying a sense of sudden and irreversible impact.

Common error

Avoid using "it was shattering" for minor setbacks or disappointments. Reserve this phrase for truly significant emotional or psychological impacts to maintain its intended effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was shattering" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing a past experience that caused significant emotional or psychological distress. The use of "shattering" emphasizes the sudden and impactful nature of the event. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was shattering" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe experiences that cause significant emotional or psychological distress. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase effectively conveys the sudden and impactful nature of such events. While versatile, it is best reserved for situations involving genuine emotional trauma to avoid diluting its intended effect. Alternatives like "it was devastating" or "it was heartbreaking" can be used to express similar sentiments with varying degrees of intensity. The phrase appears frequently in news media and personal narratives, reflecting its capacity to articulate profound emotional responses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was devastating

Emphasizes the destructive and ruinous nature of the event or news.

it was utterly devastating

Intensifies the feeling of destruction and ruin.

it was crushing

Highlights the overwhelming and oppressive impact of the event.

it was heartbreaking

Focuses specifically on the emotional pain and sorrow caused.

it was a painful blow

Highlights the impact as a sudden and hurtful setback.

it was incredibly upsetting

Focuses on the emotional distress and agitation caused.

it was deeply affecting

Indicates a significant and profound emotional impact.

it was profoundly disturbing

Highlights the unsettling and disquieting nature of the experience.

it was a complete shock

Emphasizes the unexpected and startling nature of the event.

it left me speechless

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the experience, rendering one unable to speak.

FAQs

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

Use "it was shattering" to describe an experience or event that caused significant emotional or psychological damage. For example, "When I heard the news, "it was shattering"."

What's a less intense alternative to "it was shattering"?

If you want to express a similar sentiment with less intensity, consider alternatives like "it was disappointing" or "it was upsetting".

Which is more appropriate, "it was shattering" or "it was disappointing"?

"It was shattering" is more appropriate for describing events that cause profound emotional distress, while "it was disappointing" is better suited for minor setbacks.

What can I say instead of "it was shattering"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was devastating", "it was crushing", or "it was heartbreaking" depending on the context.