this is shattering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is shattering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is emotionally devastating or deeply impactful. Example: "Hearing the news of her passing was shocking; this is shattering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"This is shattering it".

The New York Times

To fans of the show, this is shattering news.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

While I wouldn't say, as MSI does, that this laptop is "Shattering the Boundaries of Ultra-thin Technology," it does look like a hot little item.

TechCrunch

This brazen thief is shattering glass storefronts, liberating only female mannequins.

Vice

But what matters most is how Game of Thrones, in filming this and other scenes, is shattering the well-understood boundaries of canon-separating source material from adaptation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

That barrier is shattering.

Forbes

So does President Xi Jinping...This political fact is shattering for the global fossil industry and the economics of energy".

Huffington Post

This image is shattered now.

Vice

Should I just … wait in the pub?" But then this wonderful illusion is shattered.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Gimmicky-sounding on paper, this conception was shattering in effect.

The New Yorker

Step through the door, however, and the olde worlde vibe is shattered: this hotel is bold, bright and modern.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is shattering" to convey a strong emotional impact, particularly when something unexpected or devastating occurs.

Common error

Avoid using "this is shattering" for minor inconveniences or disappointments. Its impact is most effective when describing significant events or realizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is shattering" functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong emotional reaction to a situation. It's used to convey that something has caused a significant and often negative impact. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses that something is emotionally devastating or deeply impactful.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is shattering" is a phrase used to express a significant emotional or psychological impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys a sense of devastation or deep disturbance. While grammatically correct and used in neutral contexts, especially within news and media, its usage is relatively rare. Consider its powerful connotation and use it appropriately to describe truly impactful events. Alternatives such as "this is devastating" or "this is heartbreaking" can provide similar expressive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is devastating

Replaces "shattering" with "devastating", emphasizing the destructive emotional impact.

this is crushing

Substitutes "shattering" with "crushing", highlighting the feeling of being overwhelmed.

this is heartbreaking

Replaces "shattering" with "heartbreaking", focusing on the sadness and emotional pain.

this is ruinous

Changes "shattering" to "ruinous", stressing the destructive consequences.

this is calamitous

Replaces "shattering" with "calamitous", emphasizing the disastrous nature of the event.

this is disastrous

Changes "shattering" to "disastrous", highlighting the extremely unfortunate nature.

this is world-shattering

Adds "world-" to "shattering", intensifying the scale of impact.

this is earth-shattering

Adds "earth-" to "shattering", intensifying the scale of impact.

this is deeply upsetting

Replaces "shattering" with "deeply upsetting", emphasizing the emotional distress.

this is profoundly disturbing

Replaces "shattering" with "profoundly disturbing", highlighting the unsettling nature.

FAQs

What does "this is shattering" mean?

The phrase "this is shattering" means that something is incredibly shocking, upsetting, or devastating, causing significant emotional or psychological damage.

What can I say instead of "this is shattering"?

You can use alternatives like "this is devastating", "this is heartbreaking", or "this is crushing" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "this is shattering"?

The phrase "this is shattering" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both written and spoken English, although it's more common in news or personal contexts than in very formal academic writing.

Is "this is shattering" an overused phrase?

While not extremely common, "this is shattering" is recognizable and effective. Using it sparingly and appropriately will maximize its impact. Consider stronger alternatives if the situation warrants a more profound expression.