they wore out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they wore out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has become unusable or ineffective due to prolonged use or wear. Example: "After years of constant use, they wore out and needed to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"So they wore out".

The New York Times

"They wore out".

The New York Times - Sports

They wore out their snowshoes, and the girl repaired them.

The New Yorker

But they wore out long before the boys they married.

The New York Times - Books

When they wore out, his tailor made him up another suit exactly the same.

The New Yorker

My mother insisted that I went on wearing the squelching shoes until they wore out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Do they wear out?

The New York Times

Will they wear out?

The New Yorker

People are like machines: they wear out.

The Economist

"They age, and they wear out".

The New York Times - Science

They plan to wear them until they wear out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the lifespan of physical objects or equipment, use "they wore out" to convey that the item reached the end of its usability due to wear and tear. For example: "The tires wore out after only a year of heavy use."

Common error

Avoid using "they wore out" to describe people becoming tired or exhausted. While the concept is similar, it's more appropriate to use phrases like "they became tired" or "they were exhausted" when referring to living beings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they wore out" functions as a verb phrase indicating the end of usability or effectiveness due to prolonged use or wear. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase describes the condition of items ranging from clothes to mechanical parts, underscoring its role in conveying a state of depletion or failure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they wore out" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe items or equipment that have reached the end of their usability due to wear and tear. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science and Wiki. While versatile, it is best reserved for inanimate objects; for describing people's fatigue, alternative phrases like "they became tired" are more suitable. When aiming for formality, options such as "they became unusable" may serve better. The varied examples available through Ludwig underline the breadth and applicability of this expression in everyday and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they became unusable

This states directly that the items are no longer fit for their intended purpose.

they were rendered useless

This indicates that the items are now completely non-functional due to wear.

they became exhausted

This alternative emphasizes the state of being depleted or fatigued, similar to wearing out.

they reached the end of their life

A more formal and definitive way to indicate that the items are no longer functional.

they gave way

This alternative suggests a sudden failure or collapse after prolonged stress.

they broke down

This implies a mechanical or structural failure, similar to wearing out in physical objects.

they fell apart

This suggests disintegration or decomposition due to wear and tear.

they deteriorated

Focuses on the gradual decline in quality or condition over time.

they crumbled

This alternative signifies a complete breakdown, often irreversible.

they became obsolete

This suggests that the items are outdated or no longer needed, in addition to being worn.

FAQs

How can I use "they wore out" in a sentence?

Use "they wore out" to describe objects or items that have become unusable due to prolonged use or age. For example, "The old shoes finally "wore out" after years of hiking."

What's a more formal way to say "they wore out"?

A more formal alternative is "they became unusable" or "they deteriorated". These options are suitable for professional or academic writing.

Is it appropriate to say "they wore out" when referring to people?

It's generally better to avoid using "they wore out" for people. Instead, use phrases like "they became tired" or "they were exhausted".

What's the difference between "they wore out" and "they broke down"?

"They wore out" suggests gradual degradation due to use, while "they broke down" implies a sudden failure. For example, "The engine broke down unexpectedly", but "the brakes wore out over time".