Destruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Destruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the act of causing significant damage or ruin to something. Example: "The hurricane left a path of destruction in its wake, devastating entire communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Britain has never had a problem with the destructive bit of creative destruction.

The Guardian - Business

As well as whalers' harpoons, whales must navigate the dangers of ship strikes, entanglements in shipping nets and other ocean apparatus, disorientating man-made ocean noises, habitat destruction, resource exploitation, climate change and pollution.

The Guardian

Compare this pointless destruction with the US government's continued licensing of HSBC Compare this pointless destruction with the US government's continued licensing of HSBC.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to a story passed down for generations, a Dane was caught hiding in the cathedral after a raid and, as retribution for the destruction wrought by his countrymen, was flayed alive.

The Guardian - Travel

9.44pm Before44 Before we wrap up the blog, here's a link to Wednesday's Guardian front page story, which picks up on some important comments from the White House about UK security tactics - namely a demand for the destruction of hard drives containing material leaked by Edward Snowden.

The Guardian

The White House has distanced itself from Britain's handling of the leaked NSA documents when representatives said it would be difficult to imagine the US authorities following the example of Whitehall in demanding the destruction of media hard drives.

The Guardian

The official confirmed that, in the absence of handover or destruction, this was indeed the government's intention.

The Guardian

John Ware's Panorama in 2004, about the Today programme's reporting of what Dr David Kelly did or did not say about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, is the magnum opus of this genre, but there are many examples.

The Guardian - Opinion

Joker and Pyle get their nicknames...and Pyle's slow destruction starts when he can't stop smiling".

The Guardian - Film

He's bulletproof, he's fiery-eyed, and he's hellbent on destruction.

The Guardian

· In the past, you called on your followers to acquire weapons of mass destruction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "destruction" to refer to the act or result of destroying something, whether physical objects, abstract concepts, or living beings. Be mindful of the context to choose the most appropriate synonym for nuanced meaning.

Common error

While "destruction" is a valid term, it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for milder alternatives like "damage" or "ruin" when describing minor mishaps or inconveniences.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "destruction" is as a noun. It represents the act of destroying or the state of being destroyed. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing the consequences of destructive events or processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Destruction" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act of destroying or the state of being destroyed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It commonly appears in news and media, formal business contexts, and science, emphasizing the severity and impact of damaging events. While versatile, being mindful of the context is important, as overuse in casual settings can sound overly dramatic. Alternatives like "devastation", "demolition", and "ruin" can offer more nuanced meanings. High-quality sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ this term, reinforcing its formal register and authoritative usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Devastation

Emphasizes the widespread and severe damage caused.

Annihilation

Suggests complete obliteration or extinction.

Demolition

Focuses on the act of tearing down or dismantling structures.

Ruin

Implies a state of decay or collapse.

Wreckage

Refers to the remains or debris after a destructive event.

Collapse

Highlights the sudden failure or breakdown of something.

Breakdown

Implies a loss of function or structural integrity.

Decimation

Indicates a significant reduction or loss of something, often population.

Extirpation

Emphasizes complete removal or eradication.

Wasting

Suggests a gradual process of decay or depletion.

FAQs

How can I use "destruction" in a sentence?

You can use "destruction" to describe the act of destroying something or the state of being destroyed. For example, "The earthquake caused widespread "destruction" to the city".

What are some synonyms for "destruction"?

Some synonyms for "destruction" include "devastation", "demolition", "ruin", and "annihilation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "destruction" a formal or informal word?

"Destruction" is generally considered a neutral to formal word, suitable for both writing and speaking. However, consider your audience and context when choosing between "destruction" and a more informal synonym like "damage".

What is the difference between "destruction" and "damage"?

"Destruction" implies a more complete or severe level of harm than "damage". "Damage" suggests something has been harmed or impaired, while "destruction" suggests it has been ruined or made unusable.