torn out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "torn out" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is often used to describe the state of being emotionally cut off from other people, a feeling of alienation or unhappiness. For example: "John felt completely torn out after his parents divorced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every recipe torn out.

The New Yorker

Some leaves (with miniatures) torn out.

Yale University

"Bad weeds must be torn out".

The Guardian

Your heart gets torn out of you".

The New York Times - Sports

Recto leaf for opening 75 has been torn out.

Yale University

Treasure hunters have torn out the door socket.

Harvard University

Several lacunae in the text (leaves wth miniatures torn out).

Yale University

He did, but with the notes torn out.

The New York Times

There are illuminated manuscripts with pages torn out.

The Guardian - Arts

We had secondhand books where the pages were torn out.

The New Yorker

We don't actively collect pages torn out of books but we have them.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "torn out" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly conveys the intended emotional distress or significant loss.

Common error

While "torn out" is acceptable, it may sound too informal or graphic in professional or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "removed" or "extracted" to maintain a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

"Torn out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "torn" (past participle of "tear") with the particle "out". It describes the action of forcibly removing something. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable status in English, supported by many examples where it describes both physical removal and emotional distress.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

34%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "torn out" is a versatile expression used to describe the forceful removal of something physical or, metaphorically, to represent intense emotional distress. As Ludwig indicates, it's a grammatically correct and common phrase. It appears frequently in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications. While generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "removed" or "extracted" in professional settings. Remember that while "torn out" and "ripped out" are similar, the latter suggests a more violent action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ripped out

Focuses on the forceful removal, similar to "torn out" but with an emphasis on the ripping action.

wrenched out

Emphasizes a twisting motion during removal, adding a layer of violence absent from "torn out" in some contexts.

gutted

Similar to eviscerated, implying the removal of essential contents, often used metaphorically for emotional distress.

uprooted

Suggests the complete removal of something, often with its roots, differing from simply "torn out".

extracted

Implies a careful and precise removal, differing from the potentially violent imagery of "torn out".

removed

A general term for taking something out, lacking the forcefulness suggested by "torn out".

dislodged

Implies something was previously fixed and has now been removed, softer than "torn out".

excised

Describes surgical removal, a precise action unlike the potentially crude "torn out".

dissected

Implies a careful, analytical separation, differing from the often forceful action of "torn out".

eviscerated

More graphic and violent, implying the removal of inner parts, unlike the more general "torn out".

FAQs

How can I use "torn out" in a sentence?

You can use "torn out" to describe physical removal, as in "The page was "torn out" of the book", or emotional distress, as in "Her heart felt like it had been "torn out" when she lost her job".

What's a more formal alternative to "torn out"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "removed", "extracted", or "excised" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "torn out" always appropriate when describing emotional pain?

While "torn out" can effectively convey intense emotional pain, be mindful of your audience and the overall tone. In some cases, less graphic alternatives like "heartbroken" or "devastated" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "torn out" and "ripped out"?

"Ripped out" typically implies a more violent or forceful action than ""torn out"". While they are often interchangeable, "ripped out" emphasizes the tearing motion and force involved.