protruded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "protruded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that extends outward or sticks out from a surface. Example: "The tree branch protruded over the path, making it difficult to walk without ducking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nearby, the men had amassed a pile of ash-grey debris, from which a single pink high heel protruded.

The Guardian

The head and torso of one young man protruded from the slab of fallen concrete that had crushed him.

The Economist

There was hardly a part on them free of swellings, especially their jaws, so large that they protruded through the skin...Both bones and gristle were as soft as if they had been chewed".Half the horses and cattle and three-quarters of the sheep on the island died.

The Economist

In general, the feeding mechanism involves the pharynx which, in the most highly developed forms, is a powerful muscular organ that can be protruded through the mouth.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Finally, there was the existence of the large Soviet bulge, or salient, around Kursk, between Orël and Belgorod, which extended for about 150 miles from north to south and protruded 100 miles into the German lines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In some flatworms the pharynx is protruded and inserted into invertebrate prey, to digest and suck out the contents.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the family's groundskeeper killed James's father, bony claws protruded from young James's hands for the first time, and he used them to fatally stab the groundskeeper a man later revealed to be James's real father.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The pharynx, which may be protruded from the mouth, ends in an intestine that is usually blind.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These stemposts and sternposts protruded well above the hull, and their prominent and semierect position and form created a focal point of interest and a shape obviously suited for decoration.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The material that protruded under the band evolved into a brim.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although there are ancient Greek poems addressed to him, the name Priapea is mainly applied to a collection of 85 or 86 short Latin poems composed in various metres and dealing with the fertility god who, with his sickle, protected gardens and vineyards against thieves and from whose axe-hewn image of figwood or willow protruded an erect, red-painted phallus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "protruded" when you want to clearly indicate that something extended outward beyond a surface or boundary. It often implies a noticeable or somewhat unexpected extension.

Common error

While "protruded" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your text sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "extended", "projected", or "jutted out" for a more varied and sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "protruded" is as the past tense of the verb 'protrude'. It describes an action where something extends outward from a surface or object. This usage is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of "protruded" in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

43%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "protruded" is the past tense form of the verb 'protrude', signifying something extending outwards. Ludwig's analysis confirms it's grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While generally neutral in register, synonyms like "stuck out" offer less formal options. Use "protruded" for descriptive clarity, but avoid overuse in overly formal contexts. Remember, as Ludwig demonstrates, effective writing leverages precise language to create vivid and accurate portrayals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stuck out

Replaces "protruded" with a phrasal verb, offering a more informal tone.

jutted out

Similar to "protruded", but often implies a sharper or more angular extension.

extended outward

More descriptive, emphasizing the direction of the extension.

bulged

Suggests a rounded or swollen extension.

projected

Implies a more deliberate or planned extension.

poked out

Similar to "stuck out", but can imply a smaller or more sudden extension.

emerged

Suggests coming into view by extending outward.

stood out

Emphasizes prominence or visibility due to the extension.

pushed through

Implies force or effort in extending outward.

swelled out

Suggests an increase in size as it extends outward.

FAQs

How can I use "protruded" in a sentence?

You can use "protruded" to describe something that extends outward or sticks out from a surface. For example, "The broken bone protruded from his skin" or "The branch protruded over the edge of the cliff."

What are some alternatives to using "protruded"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "stuck out", "jutted out", "extended outward", or "bulged".

Is "protruded" the same as "projected"?

While both words describe something extending outward, "projected" often implies a deliberate or planned extension, whereas "protruded" suggests a more unexpected or noticeable extension. For example, architects project a building's design, while a rock might protrude from a wall.

What's the difference between "protruded" and "emerged"?

"Emerged" suggests something coming into view or becoming apparent, while "protruded" specifically indicates extending outward from a surface. A submarine emerges from the water, while a tooth might protrude from the gums.