that pierced through

USAGE SUMMARY

"that pierced through" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has pierced or penetrated something else forcefully. Example: The arrow that pierced through the knight's armor left a deep wound in his chest.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was an adventure just getting to the top: from the base lodge, they hopped on a gondola that zipped up 3,000 feet, switched to a high-speed quad that pierced through the treeline another 2,000 feet, and then clicked out of their skis — and that was the easy part.

The New York Times - Travel

Even more so than on their excellent self-titled debut record (Rounder), Mr. Dailey's voice was cleansing, a high-pitched tenor that pierced through the band's nimble, complex arrangements, especially on the stunning "Is This How It Is When It's Over" ("Will tomorrow just keep on being today/all over again?") and the cutesy class lament "Poor Boy Workin' Blues".

The New York Times - Arts

I'll never forget the pain that pierced through me that day.

Huffington Post

With the blizzard-like winds came a freezing chill that pierced through my clothing.

Los Angeles Times

Two nights ago, while checking on him, Benjamin uttered words that pierced through the layers of protection that I normally donned to keep sane in an environment of such intense misery.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The front door opens onto a modern steel-and-oak staircase that pierces through the house, dividing it into east and west wings.

The New York Times

"But the magic starts to sink in with the olfactive aspect and sense of lightness of those wooden masses as they are suspended in a way that allows light to pierce through". .

Vice

It had been designed to give when the wind blew, and it did, as did the three coconut palms that pierced its floor and traveled through the roof.

The New York Times

Nansouty's wound was very serious but he had been very lucky: the bullet that pierced his knee only tore through flesh, leaving his kneecap intact.

Wikipedia

There are also a series of increasingly utopian drawings of ribbonlike cities that unfurl across barren landscapes and oblique towers that pierce through the earth's surface.

The New York Times - Arts

"Love of dogs is the only sincere, good feeling that pierces through the icy armour shell of the 'national symbol' of the beginning of the 2000s," he wrote.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that pierced through" to vividly describe a physical or emotional impact that penetrates a barrier or defense.

Common error

Avoid using "that pierced through" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where a more nuanced verb would be more appropriate. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that pierced through" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun and describing an action of penetration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, as it effectively depicts a forceful entry or passage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that pierced through" functions as a relative clause, vividly describing an action of forceful penetration. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. While considered "rare" in terms of frequency, it appears across various sources, especially in News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure it appropriately conveys the sense of penetration, whether physical or emotional, avoiding overuse in abstract contexts. Consider using alternatives like "that penetrated" or "that broke through" for slightly different nuances. Remember to tailor the phrase to the specific context for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that penetrated

This alternative focuses on the act of entering or passing into something, similar to piercing but without necessarily implying force.

that broke through

Implies overcoming a barrier or resistance to get to the other side.

that cut through

Suggests a sharp or incisive penetration, often leaving a clear division.

that went through

A more general term for passing through something, lacking the forcefulness of 'pierced'.

that resonated within

This shifts the meaning to an emotional or impactful penetration rather than a physical one.

that shone through

Suggests light or a positive quality becoming visible despite obstacles, different from physical piercing.

that reverberated across

Emphasizes the spread of an effect or sound, moving away from direct penetration.

that filtered through

Implies a gradual passing, often separating components, unlike the direct action of piercing.

that leaked through

Suggests an unintended or gradual escape, dissimilar to a forceful piercing.

that seeped into

Implies a slow and gradual entry or penetration, often associated with liquids.

FAQs

How can I use "that pierced through" in a sentence?

Use "that pierced through" to describe something that forcefully penetrated or affected something else, either physically or emotionally. For instance, "The cold wind was something that pierced through my coat".

What can I say instead of "that pierced through"?

You can use alternatives like "that penetrated", "that broke through", or "that cut through" depending on the specific context.

Is "that pierced through" formal or informal?

"That pierced through" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in descriptive or narrative writing.

What's the difference between "that pierced through" and "that went through"?

"That pierced through" implies a forceful and often sharp penetration, whereas "that went through" is a more general term for simply passing through something without necessarily implying force.