was shattered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was shattered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been broken into many pieces or to convey a sense of emotional distress or devastation. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's accident, her heart was shattered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Our peace was shattered.

The New Yorker

Watzke was shattered.

Independent

German morale was shattered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Glass was shattered everywhere.

The New York Times

Our community was shattered.

The Guardian

Our world was shattered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was shattered," she recalled.

The New York Times

"Matt was shattered," Symons said.

The Guardian - Sport

In 1955, I was shattered.

The New Yorker

The other leg was shattered.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It was shattering.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was shattered" to vividly describe moments of intense physical breakage or profound emotional trauma. The phrase adds a layer of dramatic effect, emphasizing the severity of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "was shattered" in contexts that are not genuinely significant or dramatic. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Consider less intense alternatives like "was damaged" or "was disrupted" for minor incidents.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was shattered" functions as a passive verb phrase, typically describing the state of something or someone after undergoing a destructive event or experiencing severe emotional trauma. Ludwig shows the examples of its use for both physical and emotional states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was shattered" is a versatile phrase used to depict both physical destruction and profound emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its prevalent use across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While effective for conveying impactful moments, remember to reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant its intensity to avoid diminishing its effect. Consider alternatives like "was destroyed" or "was ruined" for less dramatic scenarios. When used appropriately, "was shattered" adds a powerful layer of emotional depth and conveys the severity of a given event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was destroyed

Focuses on the complete ruin or devastation of something, similar to but broader than "was shattered".

was devastated

Emphasizes the emotional impact of something being shattered, focusing on the feeling of being overwhelmed by grief or shock.

was ruined

Indicates that something has been irreparably damaged or spoiled, conveying a sense of loss or failure.

was demolished

Suggests a forceful and complete destruction, often used in the context of buildings or structures.

was broken

A simpler and more general term for something being damaged or fragmented, lacking the intensity of "was shattered".

was crushed

Implies a forceful compression and damage, often used metaphorically to describe the destruction of hopes or dreams.

was fragmented

Highlights the breaking of something into many small parts, emphasizing the loss of wholeness.

was disintegrated

Describes a process of breaking down into smaller components or particles, suggesting a gradual or complete decay.

was annihilated

Conveys a sense of total destruction or obliteration, emphasizing the complete removal or eradication of something.

was undone

Signifies the reversal or nullification of something, often used in the context of plans or achievements being thwarted.

FAQs

What does "was shattered" mean?

The phrase "was shattered" describes something that has been violently broken into pieces or metaphorically represents a state of being emotionally devastated or completely ruined.

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

You can use "was shattered" to describe physical objects, like "The glass "was shattered" by the impact", or emotional states, such as "Her hopes "were shattered" when she didn't get the job".

What are some synonyms for "was shattered"?

Alternatives to "was shattered" include "was destroyed", "was devastated", or "was ruined", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it correct to say "was shattered" in both physical and emotional contexts?

Yes, "was shattered" is appropriate for both physical descriptions (e.g., broken glass) and emotional states (e.g., shattered dreams). The key is to ensure the context warrants the intensity that the phrase implies.