shattered pieces

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shattered pieces" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe fragments or remnants of something that has been broken or destroyed, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After the argument, I felt like my heart was left in shattered pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

On the bottom of the shattered pieces: Trump/Putin 2016.

The Washington Post

McNair's family and friends, however, continue to pick up the shattered pieces of their lives.

The New York Times - Sports

They knocked chunks of snow from the body, and the shattered pieces skittered down the mountain.

The New York Times - Sports

In less than a month, shattered pieces pulled back together by gravity become the Moon.

The New York Times - Science

Dreams come true and shattered pieces are made whole and new.

The Guardian - Film

With cuts to mental health services, who will pick up the shattered pieces?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Piece by shattered piece, the 92-year-old, E-shaped, gleaming white French Renaissance palace that contrasted with Haiti's misery will be ripped apart over the coming months and carted off.

The New York Times

Its roof was struck early Wednesday with debris from one shattered piece of an engine from a 747 cargo plane as it flew over Churchill Downs climbing out of nearby Louisville International Airport.

The New York Times - Sports

For several months after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, the sad bits of busted buildings and broken lives were sifted on mound 1/9 of Fresh Kills, piece by shattered piece.

The New York Times

The plane missed structural support beams at the end of the terminal wing housing Gates 114 and 115, and the building was not seriously damaged, except for the shattered piece of wall, officials said.

The New York Times

On the back there's a photo of a shattered piece of gum.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shattered pieces" to vividly describe physical objects that have broken violently or abstract concepts like dreams, relationships or hopes that have been destroyed.

Common error

Avoid using "shattered pieces" in overly sentimental or melodramatic writing. Opt for stronger, more original imagery to convey the sense of loss or destruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shattered pieces" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in describing both physical objects and abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shattered pieces" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase. According to Ludwig, it effectively conveys a sense of fragmentation and destruction, applicable to both tangible objects and abstract concepts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles, from news reports to creative writing. While versatile, avoid overuse in clichéd contexts to maintain impactful imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

broken fragments

Emphasizes the broken nature and small size of the parts.

smashed fragments

Highlights the violent act of breaking something.

crushed remnants

Suggests a more forceful and complete destruction.

splintered remains

Implies a sharp and uneven break, often associated with wood or glass.

fractured segments

Suggests a break along lines of weakness or stress.

fragmented debris

Focuses on the scattered and disordered nature of the broken parts.

pulverized bits

Indicates a grinding or crushing action that results in very fine particles.

ruptured segments

Describes a forceful break or tear, often in a more formal context.

dismembered components

Suggests a deliberate separation of parts, often in a mechanical or abstract sense.

disintegrated elements

Implies a gradual decay or breakdown into basic components.

FAQs

How can I use "shattered pieces" in a sentence?

You can use "shattered pieces" to describe the physical remnants of something broken (e.g., "The vase lay in shattered pieces on the floor") or to describe the emotional aftermath of a painful event (e.g., "Her heart was left in shattered pieces after the breakup").

What can I say instead of "shattered pieces"?

You can use alternatives like "broken fragments", "crushed remnants", or "splintered remains" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "shattered pieces" or "broken pieces"?

While both phrases are acceptable, "shattered pieces" often implies a more forceful and violent breakage than "broken pieces". Choose the phrase that best reflects the intensity of the destruction.

Can "shattered pieces" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "shattered pieces" is frequently used metaphorically to describe feelings of heartbreak, devastation, or the destruction of hopes and dreams. For instance, "After the betrayal, her trust was left in shattered pieces".