it was worn out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was worn out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has become unusable or damaged due to excessive use or age. Example: "After years of use, the old sofa was worn out and needed to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

By the time the Judiciary Committee turned its attention to Justice Scalia's nomination, it was worn out, and the full Senate voted 98 to 0 in favor of confirmation.

The New York Times

As a narrative technique, it was worn out in the cinema before Fritz Lang and Hitchcock.

The Guardian - Books

Once it was worn out, they might have proceeded to feast while it was still alive as some modern birds of prey still do.

Wikipedia

Although some equipment was carried on the trek overland, most had to be flown in and nearly all of it was worn out by the time the work was completed.

Wikipedia

It was worn out, at the end of a long and tenuous supply line (Model had been promoted on 28 October, and needed two weeks just to get to Kalinin), and the cold weather was starting to hamper the Germans.

Wikipedia

People would tell Customs about an illegal still, but only when it was worn out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"It's true that I was worn out, especially the arm," Ferrer said.

The New York Times - Sports

I was exhausted, I was worn out, and it was time for me to rebuild my life".

The New Yorker

Its retirement now does not mean it is worn out or obsolete, only that it is no longer the chosen vehicle for spaceflight.

BBC

(Pending improvements in cryogenic technology, a person's body cannot be "discarded when it is worn out" without obviating the need for further visits to medical specialists).

The New Yorker

"It has taken four months to match everything up," says Smith. "We've had to work out what can't be hired out or recycled because it's worn out".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was worn out" to describe an object, ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the wear (e.g., heavy use, age, or environmental factors).

Common error

Avoid using "it was worn out" to describe abstract concepts or situations where 'exhausted' or 'depleted' would be more appropriate. For example, use "the idea was exhausted" instead of "the idea was worn out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was worn out" functions as a descriptive phrase, where 'it' serves as the subject, 'was' is the auxiliary verb, and 'worn out' acts as a past participle adjective describing the state of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was worn out" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe something that has become unusable due to wear and tear. As Ludwig AI explains, it is acceptable in written English and finds frequent use across multiple sources. While its formality is neutral, it's essential to consider the context and choose more precise terms if needed for scientific or highly formal writing. Be mindful of not using the phrase in abstract contexts. Always ensure the cause of wear is clear to maintain the sentence's conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was exhausted

Indicates complete depletion of energy or resources, similar to being worn out.

it was used up

Suggests that something has been completely consumed or utilized.

it was depleted

Implies a significant reduction in quantity or effectiveness.

it was spent

Indicates that energy, resources, or time has been completely used.

it was finished

Suggests the end of usability or functionality.

it was knackered

A British slang term indicating extreme tiredness or being worn out.

it was frayed

Describes something that has become worn and tattered, especially fabric.

it was dilapidated

Suggests a state of disrepair due to age or neglect.

it was outworn

An archaic term meaning worn out or obsolete.

it was time-worn

Describes something that shows the effects of time and wear.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it was worn out"?

You can use alternatives like "it was exhausted", "it was used up", or "it was depleted" depending on the context.

Is "it was worn out" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was worn out" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb-adjective construction in English.

How to use "it was worn out" in a sentence?

You can use "it was worn out" to describe something that has become unusable or damaged due to extensive use or age. For example: "After years of service, the tires were completely worn out."

What's the difference between "it was worn out" and "it was exhausted"?

"It was worn out" typically refers to physical objects that have deteriorated through use, while "it was exhausted" often describes a state of being depleted of energy or resources, applicable to both physical and abstract entities.