was torn out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was torn out" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that has taken place, usually when something has been forcefully removed. For example: "The page was torn out of the book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

I cannot say that I enjoyed writing this book, it was torn out of me.

Stanford University

The corresponding page for June was torn out of Carroll's diary.

The Guardian - Books

A photograph of Lindsay Lohan was torn out of a tabloid.

The New York Times - Magazine

An extension that jutted from the rear wall was torn out and replaced by a sweep of windows.

The New York Times

The rabbits, whose front and back paws were tied, screamed and writhed in pain as their fur was torn out.

The Guardian - Business

Another year, the title page was torn out of thousands of copies because the comptroller's middle initial was wrong.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The producer, Carlo Ponti, was tearing out whatever hair he had left.

The Guardian - Film

What they did was tear out the staircase and build a replacement on one side of the main floor.

The New York Times

"Bad weeds must be torn out".

The Guardian

Recto leaf for opening 75 has been torn out.

Yale University

We had secondhand books where the pages were torn out.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was torn out" to vividly describe forceful removal or extraction, emphasizing the action's intensity.

Common error

Avoid using "was torn out" in highly formal or technical writing where a more neutral term like "removed" or "extracted" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was torn out" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent an action of forceful removal. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard grammatical construction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was torn out" is a commonly used and grammatically correct passive verb phrase that effectively describes a forceful removal. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. While generally considered neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, opting for more precise or formal alternatives in scientific or highly professional settings. When you are trying to be more vivid or expressive then the phrase will suit you best. The most authoritative sources using this expression are "The New York Times", "The Guardian" and "The New Yorker".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was forcibly removed

This alternative focuses on the forceful aspect of the removal.

was ripped away

This suggests a quick and violent removal.

was extracted

This implies a careful or technical removal, possibly with effort.

was detached

This suggests a separation from something else, possibly intentional.

was uprooted

This implies removal from a fixed position, like a plant.

was eradicated

This suggests a complete removal and destruction.

was eliminated

This implies a deliberate removal to get rid of something unwanted.

was dislodged

This suggests something being moved from its place, not necessarily destroyed.

was severed

This focuses on the act of cutting or breaking something off.

was taken out

This is a more general way of saying something was removed.

FAQs

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

You can use "was torn out" to describe something that has been forcefully removed from a place, such as "The page "was torn out" of the book" or "The old carpet "was torn out" during the renovation".

What are some alternatives to "was torn out"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "was forcibly removed", "was ripped away", or "was extracted".

When is it appropriate to use "was torn out"?

It is appropriate when describing a forceful or violent removal of something. In more formal or technical contexts, consider using more neutral alternatives.

Is "was torn out" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "was torn out" is generally considered neutral, and can be used in News & Media or general contexts. However, in scientific or formal contexts, it may be better to use a more precise alternative like "was extracted" or "was removed".