was shredded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was shredded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been torn or cut into small pieces, often referring to paper, food, or materials. Example: "The documents were left unattended and, by the time I returned, they were completely shredded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Its fiberglass starboard was shredded.

The New York Times

Certainly, my life was shredded.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was shredded," Burton says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The taxi was shredded into small pieces.

The New York Times

By the end his voice was shredded.

The Guardian

Early in training camp, the secondary was shredded.

The New York Times - Sports

That myth was shredded by World War I.

The New York Times - Books

(Also, the meat, while flavorful, was shredded, not lump, crab).

The New York Times

The secondary was shredded for 36 touchdown passes last season.

The New York Times

At the other it was shredded, and hey presto.

The Guardian - Books

A reputation for honesty and integrity was shredded.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was shredded" to vividly describe situations where something has been thoroughly destroyed, whether physically or metaphorically. It is particularly effective when conveying a sense of violence or force.

Common error

While "was shredded" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "was heavily criticized" or "was thoroughly analyzed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was shredded" functions as a passive voice verb phrase, typically used to describe the result of an action where something has been torn into pieces or metaphorically destroyed. As Ludwig examples illustrate, it's used in diverse contexts, from describing physical damage to figurative defeat.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Huffington Post

5%

Forbes

3%

Vice

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was shredded" is a versatile passive verb phrase effectively conveying thorough destruction or criticism. Ludwig's analysis, consistent with external sources, confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, notably in news, science, and general media. When writing, use it to vividly depict physical disintegration or the severe dismantling of ideas but be mindful of its register in formal writing where alternatives may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was torn to pieces

Emphasizes the act of being violently torn apart, both literally and figuratively.

was ripped apart

Similar to 'torn to pieces', but can also imply a more aggressive or forceful action.

was utterly destroyed

Highlights the complete devastation or ruin of something.

was completely dismantled

Focuses on the systematic breaking down or disassembly of something.

was roundly defeated

Specifically applies to situations of being thoroughly beaten in a competition or argument.

was heavily criticized

Shifts the focus to verbal attacks or strong disapproval.

was torn down

Implies a forceful demolition or discrediting of something, either physically or metaphorically.

was left in tatters

Suggests a state of ruin and disarray after a damaging event.

was demolished

Focuses on the complete destruction of a structure or system.

was vanquished

Suggests a complete and decisive defeat, often in a battle or competition.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was shredded" describes something that has been torn or cut into small pieces, or metaphorically, something that has been severely damaged or criticized. For example: "The documents "were shredded" before the investigation."

What are some alternatives to saying "was shredded"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was torn apart", "was destroyed", or "was criticized". The best choice depends on whether you're referring to physical destruction or a metaphorical attack.

Is it appropriate to use "was shredded" in formal writing?

While "was shredded" isn't inherently incorrect, it can be perceived as informal or overly dramatic in some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "was dismantled" or "was invalidated" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "was shredded" and "was torn apart"?

Both phrases imply damage or destruction, but "was shredded" suggests that something was reduced to small pieces, while "was torn apart" implies a more forceful and violent separation. The choice depends on the specific image you want to convey.