was severed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was severed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been cut off or separated, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The connection between the two countries was severed after the diplomatic incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Part of Firefighter Walsh's nose was severed and several facial bones were fractured.

The New York Times

The dog was dragged for several miles until his head was severed from his body.

The New Yorker

The rope was severed.

The New York Times

His spine was severed.

The Guardian

The connection then was severed.

The New York Times

"That relationship was severed and that was so upsetting".

Independent

If a head was severed, it grew back.

The Economist

Virtually every connection with the outside world was severed.

The New York Times

The baby died after a coronary artery was severed.

The Guardian

At least one finger was severed at the joint.

The New York Times

That wire was severed when the boat left the pier.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was severed" to convey a forceful or complete cutting off of something, whether physical or abstract. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the finality or abruptness of the separation.

Common error

Avoid using "was severed" when simpler terms like "was cut" or "was disconnected" would suffice. Reserve "was severed" for situations where the forceful or complete nature of the separation is important to emphasize.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was severed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something has been cut off or separated. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in both literal (physical disconnections) and figurative (relationship terminations) contexts. It is part of the passive voice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was severed" is a versatile passive verb phrase that describes a forceful or complete separation, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While broadly applicable, it’s best reserved for situations where the abruptness or finality of the separation needs emphasis. The phrase’s neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was cut off

A more common and direct synonym, implying a sudden and forceful separation.

was disconnected

Highlights the interruption of a connection, often in a technical or abstract context.

was detached

Suggests a more gentle or planned separation, lacking the forceful implication of "severed".

was terminated

A formal way to describe the end of something, whether a connection or a relationship.

got disconnected

Focuses on the result of the action, emphasizing the state of being disconnected rather than the act of severing.

was split

Indicates a division or separation, but lacks the violence often associated with "severed".

was broken

Implies a disruption or end to a connection, although not necessarily through cutting.

came apart

Suggests something separated, often due to wear, force, or decay.

was partitioned

Implies dividing into parts; applicable when something is divided, not just cut.

was isolated

Highlights the state of being separated and alone after something has been severed.

FAQs

How can I use "was severed" in a sentence?

The phrase "was severed" indicates a complete cutting off or separation. For example, "The rope "was cut off" during the mountain climbing accident" or "Diplomatic relations "were terminated" between the two countries".

What can I say instead of "was severed"?

You can use alternatives such as ""was cut off"", "was disconnected", or "was detached", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was severed" or "got severed"?

"Was severed" is the more grammatically correct and commonly used passive voice construction. "Got severed" is less formal but can be acceptable in informal contexts, although ""was cut off"" sounds better in informal context.

What's the difference between "was severed" and "was broken"?

"Was severed" implies a clean, often forceful cut or separation. "Was broken" indicates damage or a disruption, not necessarily involving a cutting action. For example, a bone "was fractured", while a rope "was cut".