were severed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were 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 cables were severed during the storm, causing a power outage in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Several communication lines were severed, and tribes and farms were devastated.

Wikipedia

No major arteries or nerves were severed.

The New York Times - Sports

Both of Mr. Rivera's legs were severed.

The New York Times

Except it was not just the heads that were severed.

The Guardian

But he denied that ties were severed because of money.

The New York Times - Arts

When official contacts were severed, they said dialogue should remain open.

The Guardian - Opinion

Three toes on the left foot of Fatima Umar Mansour, Mr. Morabit's mother, were severed.

The New York Times

How many of the interior steel columns were severed by the crashes of the jets?

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The rope was severed.

The New York Times

Digits are severed.

The New York Times

His spine was severed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were severed" to clearly indicate a forceful or complete separation, whether physical or metaphorical. Ensure the context supports the implication of a clean or decisive break.

Common error

Avoid using "were severed" in overly abstract contexts where a simpler term like "ended" or "discontinued" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic or unintentionally comical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were severed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being cut or separated. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were severed" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates a forceful or complete separation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its applications range from physical disconnections to abstract concepts like relationships or ties. This phrase appears most frequently in news, media, and scientific contexts, making it suitable for neutral to formal writing. While versatile, avoid overuse in overly abstract contexts to maintain clarity and impact. Consider alternatives such as "were cut off" or "were disconnected" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were disconnected

Focuses on the act of disconnecting or breaking a connection.

were cut off

Emphasizes a sudden or abrupt interruption.

were detached

Highlights the separation of something from its original point of attachment.

were broken

Implies a more general sense of being broken or interrupted.

were terminated

Suggests a formal or official ending.

were split

Indicates division into parts.

were separated

Focuses on the act of separating or becoming distinct.

were isolated

Highlights the state of being isolated or cut off from others.

were ruptured

Emphasizes a forceful break or tear.

were disjoined

Highlights the state of being disjoined or disjointed.

FAQs

How is "were severed" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "were severed" typically indicates that something has been forcibly cut or separated. For example, "The diplomatic ties "were severed" after the conflict escalated".

What are some alternatives to using "were severed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "were cut off", "were disconnected", or "were terminated".

When is it appropriate to use "were severed" instead of "were cut"?

"Were severed" suggests a cleaner, more decisive cut or separation than "were cut". Use "were severed" when emphasizing the finality or forcefulness of the separation.

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

"Were severed" implies a physical or metaphorical cutting, while "were broken" suggests a more general disruption or violation. Use "were severed" for clean breaks and "were broken" for things that are disrupted or violated.