Be wiped out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be wiped out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is completely destroyed or eliminated, often in a dramatic or total sense. Example: "If we don't take action against climate change, entire species could be wiped out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We will be wiped out".

The New Yorker

A major investment would be wiped out.

The New York Times

You want to be wiped out?

The New York Times

Maoists must be wiped out.

The Guardian - Books

Jamaica's producers will probably be wiped out.

The Economist

People's savings would be wiped out.

The Guardian - Business

They had to be wiped out.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Internet could be wiped out someday.

The New York Times

"I wish it could be wiped out.

The New York Times

The debt would be wiped out after 30 years.

The New York Times

We'll be wiped out — we won't be here".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be wiped out" to convey a sense of complete and irreversible removal or destruction. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the finality of an event or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "be wiped out" in very formal or academic writing where more precise and neutral language like "eliminated" or "eradicated" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be wiped out" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject undergoes an action resulting in its complete removal or destruction. Ludwig AI confirms its common and correct usage, showcasing various scenarios from financial losses to ecological devastation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be wiped out" is a common and generally correct passive verb phrase used to express complete destruction or elimination. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent appearance in news and media, as well as its occasional use in scientific and business contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's advisable to consider the formality of the setting and opt for more precise terms like "eliminated" or "eradicated" in highly formal writing. Usage patterns indicate its prevalence in conveying significant loss or irreversible change, making it a versatile expression for various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be eliminated

Focuses on the removal or eradication aspect, often used in more formal contexts.

be eradicated

Implies a complete and permanent removal, often used in discussions of diseases or problems.

be destroyed

Emphasizes the physical destruction or ruin of something.

be annihilated

Suggests a complete and utter destruction, often used in extreme scenarios.

be extinguished

Implies the end of something's existence, often used metaphorically for hopes or dreams.

be obliterated

Indicates a complete removal from existence, often used in historical or catastrophic contexts.

be terminated

Focuses on the ending or conclusion of something, often used in business or formal settings.

be phased out

Suggests a gradual removal or replacement, often used in policy or technological contexts.

go extinct

Specifically refers to the disappearance of a species.

cease to exist

A more literal and general way of saying something disappears entirely.

FAQs

How can I use "be wiped out" in a sentence?

You can use "be wiped out" to describe the complete destruction or removal of something. For example, "The dinosaurs "were wiped out" by a meteor impact", or "All of his savings "could be wiped out" if the stock market crashes".

What's a less dramatic alternative to "be wiped out"?

If you're looking for a less dramatic alternative, consider using phrases like "be eliminated", "be removed", or "be eradicated", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "be wiped out" in writing?

"Be wiped out" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the totality and finality of something's destruction or disappearance. It's often used in situations involving significant loss or irreversible change.

Is "be wiped out" formal or informal language?

"Be wiped out" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. While widely understood and acceptable in many contexts, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "be eliminated" or "be eradicated" for increased precision and formality.