Tear – Explanation, Example Sentences and Conjugation

Student watching video on Japanese language lessons.
The verb “tear” in the English language is used to describe the action of pulling something apart or dividing something into pieces, often quickly or forcibly. It refers to the act of ripping or splitting a material, such as paper or fabric, but can also be used metaphorically to describe situations where something is being separated or disrupted. The verb captures both the physical act and the sense of damage or disruption it can cause.

Example sentences

I accidentally tore my favorite shirt while climbing over the fence.

She managed to tear the envelope open with her bare hands.

The strong winds began to tear the roof shingles off the house.

During the argument, he tore the contract in half.

The child tried not to tear any pages while flipping through the old book.

She could tear up from joy when she saw her best friend walking towards her.

He had to tear himself away from the exciting game to finish his homework.

The dog managed to tear through the garbage bag and made a mess.

I didn’t want to tear the delicate fabric, so I handled it with care.

They had to tear down the old building to make room for the new development.

Conjugation

Present Simple

I tear the paper slowly.

You tear the envelope open.

He tears the fabric apart.

She tears up when she’s sad.

It tears easily.

We tear off a piece each.

They tear down the posters.

Past Simple

I tore up the letter yesterday.

You tore your jeans climbing the fence.

He tore the map accidentally.

She tore her ticket in excitement.

It tore during the storm.

We tore through the wrapping paper.

They tore down the old building.

Future Simple

I will tear up the contract if they disagree.

You will tear your muscle if you’re not careful.

He will tear the photograph in half.

She will tear the recipe out of the book.

It will tear under too much pressure.

We will tear down the barriers.

They will tear apart the competition.

Present Perfect

I have torn up all the old documents.

You have torn your ACL during the game.

He has torn his way through the crowd.

She has torn up every letter he sent.

It has torn during the move.

We have torn down our old prejudices.

They have torn up the rule book.

Past Perfect

I had torn up the notes before anyone saw them.

You had torn your jacket before you even got home.

He had torn out the page before I could read it.

She had torn her dress by the time she left the party.

It had torn long before the inspection.

We had torn down the old shed by noon.

They had torn through all the supplies by the end of the day.

Future Perfect

I will have torn up all evidence by tomorrow.

You will have torn through the book by next week.

He will have torn down the notices by Friday.

She will have torn her gaze away from the screen by then.

It will have torn apart by the time we return.

We will have torn up the old floorboards by tonight.

They will have torn through the competition by the season’s end.

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