torn book

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "torn book" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a book that has been damaged, specifically with pages or covers that are ripped or shredded. Example: "I found a torn book on the shelf, and I decided to take it home to repair it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Carefully match-up, or realign, the torn book page.

WikiHow

Insert a clean plastic cutting board underneath the torn book page leaving a portion of the cutting board extending past the torn book page.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

My second day at one, I had to sit in the stock room and tear books in half, and tear the covers off to return them to the publishers.

Huffington Post

You should never tear books or comics from the store.

WikiHow

Streets outside ankle-deep in confetti, torn telephone books.

The New Yorker

It is of Bacon standing in front of a wall which he has covered, typically, with pages torn from books and magazines.

Independent

The show, which opens on 4 October, features drawings on pages torn from books, on sheets of tracing paper and on the backs of café receipts.

The Guardian - Arts

One can, courteously and calmly, tear a book to shreds without leaving a trace of blood on the floor.

Independent

Finding it too heavy for travel, she tore the book apart.

The New Yorker

On the plane, settled in his business-class seat, he tore the book into three parts.

The Guardian - Books

When he comes across a stranger scowling into one on an airplane or in a hospital, his instinct is to tear the book from the stranger's hands.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "torn book", be specific about the extent and location of the damage (e.g., "torn cover", "torn pages", "partially torn").

Common error

Avoid simply stating "the book is torn" without providing context. Specifying the nature and severity of the tear helps the reader understand the book's condition more accurately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "torn book" functions primarily as a noun phrase where "torn" is an adjective modifying the noun "book". Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "torn book" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe a book that has been damaged by ripping. While it's not an exceptionally common phrase, as noted by Ludwig, it is readily usable in both Wiki and News & Media contexts. For more formal writing or when greater precision is needed, alternatives such as "damaged book" or "book with torn pages" may be preferable. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damaged book

Replaces "torn" with a more general term for damage, broadening the scope of the damage.

ripped book

Substitutes "torn" with a synonym emphasizing the act of tearing.

book with torn pages

Specifies the location of the tear, making it more precise.

book with ripped pages

Similar to the above, but uses 'ripped' instead of 'torn'.

fragmented book

Suggests the book is in pieces or incomplete due to tearing.

incomplete book

Focuses on the book's state of being unfinished due to missing parts.

mutilated book

Implies a more severe and deliberate act of damage.

defaced book

Indicates damage to the surface or cover of the book.

book in tatters

Describes the book as being in a state of disrepair due to tearing.

book with missing pages

Highlights the absence of pages as a form of damage.

FAQs

What does "torn book" mean?

A "torn book" is a book that has been damaged by ripping, resulting in tears in its pages, cover, or spine. The severity of the tear can vary.

What are some synonyms for "torn book"?

Alternatives include "damaged book", "ripped book", or "book with torn pages", depending on the specific context.

How do I describe the damage to a "torn book" in detail?

Specify which parts of the book are torn (e.g., "the cover is torn", "several pages are torn") and the extent of the damage (e.g., "slightly torn", "badly torn").

Is it acceptable to use "torn book" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "torn book" might be considered informal. In formal contexts, consider using "damaged book" or a more precise description of the damage.