were torn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were torn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been ripped or damaged, typically in the past tense. Example: "The old letters were torn and faded, making them difficult to read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His trousers were torn.

The New York Times - Books

Some were torn open.

The New York Times

Families were torn apart".

Independent

Railroad tracks were torn apart.

The New York Times

Mental health advocates were torn.

The New York Times

Red bricks were torn away.

The New York Times

Streetcar lines were torn up.

The New York Times

The signs were torn down.

The Washington Post

Two window screens were torn.

The Washington Post

"Our lives were torn apart.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Most burned or were torn down.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were torn" to describe physical damage or emotional distress, ensuring the context clearly indicates the subject experiencing the tearing action.

Common error

Avoid using "were torn" when the sentence requires an active voice. For example, instead of "The wind were torn the flags", use "The wind tore the flags."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were torn" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being torn. Ludwig provides many examples across various sources showcasing its wide-spread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were torn" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it effectively describes a state where something has been damaged or separated, predominantly through physical force. Its usage spans various contexts, but is most prevalent in news and media, reflecting a neutral register. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit for clearly conveying the consequences of tearing actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had been ripped

Focuses specifically on the action of ripping something, emphasizing the completed nature of the action.

were ripped

Similar meaning, but with slightly less emphasis on the completed action compared to 'had been ripped'.

were shredded

Implies something was torn into many small pieces.

were damaged

A more general term for something that has been harmed, not necessarily by tearing.

were destroyed

Indicates complete ruin or demolition, broader than just tearing.

were dismantled

Suggests something was taken apart piece by piece, not necessarily violently.

were wrecked

Indicates severe damage, often associated with accidents or disasters.

were broken

A general term for something no longer functioning or intact.

were fractured

Indicates something has cracked or split, but not necessarily completely separated.

were shattered

Suggests something has broken into many pieces, often violently.

FAQs

How is "were torn" used in a sentence?

"Were torn" indicates that something has been ripped or separated by force. Example: "The old flags "were torn" during the storm."

What are some alternatives to using "were torn"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "were ripped", "were shredded", or "were damaged".

What's the difference between "were torn" and "was torn"?

"Were torn" is used with plural subjects, while "was torn" is used with singular subjects. For example: "The documents "were torn"" versus "The document "was torn"."

Is it correct to say "had been torn" instead of "were torn"?

Yes, "had been torn" is grammatically correct. It indicates that the tearing occurred before a specific point in time. For instance, "The papers "had been torn" before I arrived."