it was wrecked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was wrecked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been damaged or destroyed, often in a dramatic or significant way. Example: "After the storm passed, we found that the old barn was completely wrecked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

When the ship reached Tahiti in 1791, the errant men were rounded up, but in its voyage home it was wrecked on the Great Barrier Reef.

The Guardian - Travel

But when it was wrecked by the tropical storm, its reconstruction instantly became the first priority in the Alley's expansion plans.

The New York Times

For who, or what, exactly, is Vyvyan Holland writing about when he describes how: Beauty and love were worshipped in that golden happy land that was Provence in its half-childish, half-pagan state before it was wrecked and tortured by fanatical northern barbarians in the 14th century..

The Guardian

By 2003, when the Economist called Liberia the worst country in the world, it was wrecked.

The Guardian

It was wrecked mainly by Indian intransigence (though General Musharraf's grandstanding also played into the hands of the Indian hardliners).

The Economist

He was on the Shenandoah in 1925 at time it was wrecked in mid-air by a gale and through his ingenuity saved six of the remaining crew.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"It's wrecked".

The New York Times

Now it's wrecked.

The Guardian

Nothing is done until it's wrecked".

The New York Times - Arts

Now it's wrecked – from Port Douglas to New Guinea".

The Guardian - Opinion

Accusations multiply: it's mawkish, it's cerebral, it's meandering, it's manipulative, it's cold and cunning and misanthropic, it's wrecked by redemption.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was wrecked" to describe a state of severe damage or destruction, whether physical or figurative. This phrase works well when emphasizing the impact of an event or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "it was wrecked" for minor damages or inconveniences. The phrase implies a significant level of destruction or ruin.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was wrecked" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (the 'it') has undergone an action resulting in a state of ruin or severe damage. As seen in Ludwig, this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was wrecked" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of significant damage or destruction. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to convey the severe impact of an event on a subject. While its register is generally neutral, it appears frequently in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases like "it was destroyed" or "it was ruined" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ensure not to overuse this phrase for minor damages; it's best reserved for situations involving substantial ruin.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was destroyed

Focuses on complete annihilation or ruin of something.

it was ruined

Emphasizes the state of being spoiled or irreparably damaged.

it was demolished

Suggests forceful tearing down or dismantling.

it was devastated

Highlights the extensive and severe damage inflicted.

it was shattered

Implies breaking into pieces, either literally or figuratively.

it was totaled

Commonly used in reference to vehicles, meaning beyond repair.

it was obliterated

Suggests complete removal or erasure from existence.

it was decimated

Implies a significant reduction or destruction, often referring to a large portion.

it was ravaged

Focuses on the violent and destructive action that caused the damage.

it was annihilated

Suggests total destruction and elimination.

FAQs

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

Use "it was wrecked" to describe something severely damaged or destroyed. For example, "The car "it was wrecked" in the accident" or "The storm came, and the house "it was wrecked"".

What's a good alternative to "it was wrecked"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "it was destroyed", "it was ruined", or "it was demolished".

Is "it was wrecked" formal or informal?

"It was wrecked" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may be more common in news or narrative writing than in highly formal documents.

What does "it was wrecked" imply about the object or situation?

The phrase "it was wrecked" implies significant damage or destruction, often to the point of being irreparable or unusable. It suggests a severe impact or event has occurred.