tore open

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tore open" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of ripping or forcefully opening something, often in a dramatic or urgent context. Example: "In a fit of excitement, she tore open the envelope to reveal the long-awaited letter inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

A callous on Puig's left hand tore open in the series opener Monday, and Puig had been playing with his hand heavily bandaged.

Los Angeles Times

One of the firefighters tore open the envelope.

The New York Times

In desperation, I tore open the Barilla box.

The New York Times - Food

He tore open an ear of corn and grimaced.

The New York Times

My friend tore open a small package of dates for them.

The New Yorker

The husband tore open the fistula, and she began leaking urine once more.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Some were torn open.

The New York Times

The children start tearing open the presents.

The New York Times

A bomb has torn open the side of a house.

The New Yorker

They tear open the stalks and, finding nothing, cry out.

The New York Times

In December, this shroud was torn open in a northeaster.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure "tore open" accurately reflects the manner in which something was opened. If less force was used, alternatives like "opened" or "unsealed" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "tore open" in formal or professional documents where a more neutral term like "opened" is preferable, as it can sound too informal or aggressive.

Linguistic Context

Tore open functions as a phrasal verb, specifically the past tense of 'tear open'. It describes an action, indicating the forceful or rapid opening of something. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to describe opening physical objects like packages, envelopes, or even wounds.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tore open" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that vividly describes the forceful or rapid opening of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media. While generally neutral to informal, reserving it for situations where a sense of urgency or force is intended can enhance your writing. Remember to consider alternatives like "ripped open" or "burst open" based on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase, providing a wealth of examples to guide its effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ripped open

Synonymous and interchangeable; emphasizes the forceful ripping action.

burst open

Suggests a sudden and forceful opening, often due to internal pressure.

split open

Implies something dividing into two or more parts when opening.

cut open

Describes opening something with a sharp object.

forced open

Highlights the use of force to open something, not necessarily by tearing.

smashed open

Indicates a violent opening, often resulting in damage.

jerked open

Suggests a sudden, sharp movement to open something.

unsealed

Describes removing a seal, often indicating a formal or official opening.

unwrapped

Specifically refers to removing a wrapping.

unfolded

Describes opening something that was previously folded.

FAQs

What does "tore open" mean?

"Tore open" means to rip something open forcefully or quickly. It implies a sense of urgency or violence in the action of opening something.

When is it appropriate to use "tore open" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the forceful or hurried nature of opening something. However, it might not be suitable for formal or professional contexts, where a more neutral term like "opened" is preferable.

What are some alternatives to "tore open"?

Alternatives include "ripped open", "burst open", "split open", or simply "opened", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "tore open" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tore open" is grammatically correct as the past tense of the phrasal verb "tear open". It is a common and accepted expression in English.