torn

torn — 形容詞

1. feeling emotionally unable to decide between two options, because each one has s

1.形容詞B2
釋義

左右為難

因兩個選項同樣重要而無法決定

feeling emotionally unable to decide between two options, because each one has strong reasons that pull you in opposite directions

例句

Hiro felt torn between staying near his family and accepting a job abroad.

Hiro 在留在家人身邊與出國工作之間左右為難。

torn + between [two gerund options]

The committee was torn over whether to fund the new school or the hospital.

委員會在是否資助新學校或醫院之間左右為難。

torn + over + whether-clause

同義詞
  • conflicted

    more direct; emphasises the emotional struggle rather than the act of choosing

  • divided

    can refer to a group's disagreement, not just an individual's inner struggle

  • undecided

    neutral; lacks the emotional tension that torn implies

  • uncertain

    broader; does not necessarily involve two specific alternatives

反義詞
  • decisive

    able to choose quickly and confidently

  • resolved

    having already made a firm decision

  • sure

    not pulled in different directions; certain about what to do

文法句型

torn + between + [noun phrase / gerund] and [noun phrase / gerund]

torn + over + [wh-clause / noun phrase]

torn + about + [noun phrase / gerund]

用法筆記

Typically used predicatively after verbs like feel, be, or remain; almost always followed by between, over, or about to name the conflicting options. Unlike the past participle of tear (meaning ripped), this figurative sense cannot be used before a noun — for example, you cannot say a torn feeling.

常見錯誤

❌I am torn to choose between the two options.
✅I am torn between the two options.
💡torn is followed by between, not to + infinitive.
❌She feels torn up about the decision.
✅She feels torn about the decision.
💡torn up means very upset, while torn alone means conflicted about a choice.