to be smashed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be smashed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something being broken or destroyed, often in a figurative sense, such as being very drunk or overwhelmed. Example: "After the party, I was so tired that I felt like I was going to be smashed by the workload waiting for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

To be smashed into my face.

Princeton University

And I don't think it wants to be smashed.

The New York Times

will be, probably, the next state to be smashed...

The New York Times - Books

In my opinion, it's one of the last taboos to be smashed.

Independent

"The duck [served in clay to be smashed at the table] was very conscious," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One of the ways to get over it was to be smashed.

The Guardian - Music

Nails had become rusty, planks had to be smashed to open the cases.

The New York Times - Arts

Hospitals, schools and the main electricity plant may take years to rebuild, only to be smashed yet again.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We push to the top feeling rather smug to be smashing such a "hard" race.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Continue reading "Aiming to be smashing world beaters" I'm playing in my final Olympics in Beijing.

BBC

It is better, after all, to pursue your own zen, even if it happens to be smashing something.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be smashed" to convey a sense of forceful impact, either literally or figuratively. It's effective for emphasizing the degree of destruction or defeat.

Common error

Avoid using "to be smashed" in formal or professional writing where a more nuanced or sophisticated term would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "defeated", "overcome", or "dismantled" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be smashed" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used in passive constructions. It indicates a state of being acted upon, typically involving forceful impact or destruction. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across various contexts, from literal destruction to metaphorical defeat.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be smashed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used infinitive phrase that conveys a strong sense of forceful impact or destruction. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While effective for emphasizing intensity, it should be used judiciously in formal writing where more nuanced alternatives may be preferred. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and wide applicability of this phrase in diverse contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be crushed

Implies a forceful defeat or suppression, focusing on the act of being overwhelmed.

to be destroyed

Suggests complete ruin or obliteration, highlighting the finality of the damage.

to be shattered

Emphasizes the breaking into many pieces, often used in a more emotional or figurative sense.

to be demolished

Specifically refers to the tearing down of a structure, emphasizing the removal of something physical.

to be defeated

Focuses on the act of losing a battle or competition, highlighting the lack of success.

to be overcome

Implies surmounting a challenge or difficulty, focusing on the act of being conquered.

to be obliterated

Suggests complete erasure or destruction, often on a grand scale.

to be vanquished

Refers to being thoroughly defeated, often in a formal or literary context.

to be dismantled

Implies taking something apart piece by piece, focusing on the process of deconstruction.

to be dismantled

Implies taking something apart piece by piece, focusing on the process of deconstruction.

FAQs

How can I use "to be smashed" in a sentence?

You can use "to be smashed" to describe something being violently broken, destroyed, or defeated. For example, "The old building was "to be demolished"", or "Their hopes were "to be crushed" by the news".

What are some alternatives to "to be smashed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "to be destroyed", ""to be crushed"", ""to be demolished"", or "to be defeated".

When is it appropriate to use "to be smashed" in writing?

It is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize a forceful or violent impact, whether physical or metaphorical. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing before using this phrase.

What is the difference between "to be smashed" and "to be broken"?

"To be broken" generally implies a less violent or forceful action than "to be smashed". "To be smashed" suggests a more complete or destructive impact.