it wore

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it wore" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been worn for a period of time, often in the context of clothing or accessories. Example: "After a long day, I noticed that it wore thin at the seams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It wore out its welcome, a victim of age discrimination and corporate greed.

The New York Times

It wore a jade necklace and was held by its owner, the celebrity jeweller Jose Barrera.

The New Yorker

It wore no tag.

The New York Times

As it wore on, the muttering began.

The New York Times

Predictably, though, it wore me down.

The New York Times

It wore me out, too.

The New Yorker

"It wore me out," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

It wore thin, but was ultimately vindicated.

The Guardian - Sport

It wore us down mentally and physically".

The New York Times - Sports

It wore a crown and rested upon a large throne.

The New York Times

It wore a woman's braclet for a collar.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance you want to convey. "It wore thin" suggests patience or tolerance is depleted, while "it wore out" suggests an object became unusable.

Common error

Avoid using "it wore" without a clear antecedent for "it". Readers might struggle to understand what is being described as worn if the subject is not explicitly stated or easily inferred from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it wore" functions as a verb phrase, where "it" serves as the subject and "wore" as the past tense of the verb "wear". Ludwig examples showcase its versatility, describing physical wear, emotional exhaustion, or the diminishing of patience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it wore" is a versatile and common expression used to describe the effect of time or repeated action, leading to deterioration, exhaustion, or loss of effectiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and its register is generally neutral. When using "it wore", clarity is key. Ensure that the subject "it" is clearly defined and that the context aligns with the intended meaning, whether it's to indicate physical wear, emotional strain, or the diminishing of patience. Related phrases like "it exhausted" or "it faded" can offer alternative ways to convey similar concepts with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it exhausted

Focuses on the draining effect something had.

it depleted

Highlights the reduction or consumption of resources or energy.

it faded

Emphasizes the diminishing of appearance, interest or effect.

it deteriorated

Focuses on the decline in quality or condition.

it frayed

Suggests the wearing down of fabric or patience.

it abraded

Highlights the surface damage from wearing or rubbing.

it corroded

Focuses on gradual destruction, especially by chemical action.

it weakened

Indicates a loss of strength or effectiveness.

it crumbled

Highlights the breaking down into small fragments.

it dissolved

Suggests the process of something being absorbed or disappearing.

FAQs

How can I use "it wore" in a sentence?

Use "it wore" to describe the effect of something over time, such as, "The constant stress wore him down," or, "The fabric wore thin after years of use."

What's a good alternative to "it wore out"?

Depending on the context, you might use "it deteriorated", "it failed", or "it gave out" as alternatives to "it wore out".

How does "it wore on" differ from "it wore out"?

"It wore on" implies a gradual effect over time, often referring to emotional or mental states. "The waiting wore on her nerves". "It wore out" indicates physical deterioration or depletion. "The tires wore out after many miles".

Is "it wore thin" an idiom?

Yes, "it wore thin" is an idiom meaning that something has lost its effectiveness, appeal, or patience. For example, "His excuses wore thin after the third time".