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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I want to destroy

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I want to destroy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone expresses a desire to eliminate or ruin something, whether literally or metaphorically. Example: "In a moment of frustration, I found myself thinking, 'I want to destroy all the evidence of my mistakes.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

I want to destroy that.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I want to destroy her".

"I want to destroy traditions".

But when it comes to me and him, in this country, I want to destroy him.

"I want to destroy the left, and these corrupt communists in our country," she said.

News & Media

The Guardian

Why would I want to destroy something I have invested millions in?

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"I wanted to destroy someone.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I wanted to destroy clickbait," Eidnes laughs.

News & Media

The Guardian

I wanted to destroy the styles that we ourselves created.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"I wanted to destroy everything beautiful I'd never have".

Yes, at that moment I wanted to destroy Jillian Glasser.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase “I want to destroy” when you genuinely wish to express a strong desire to eliminate something harmful or negative, whether it's a destructive habit, a corrupt system, or a personal obstacle. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase “I want to destroy” in casual conversations about minor inconveniences or dislikes. The intensity of the phrase can sound melodramatic or disproportionate if not used appropriately.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I want to destroy" functions as a declaration of intent. It expresses a strong desire to eliminate or ruin something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I want to destroy" is a powerful expression of intent, indicating a strong desire to eliminate or ruin something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts to describe conflicts, ambitions, or societal critiques. While versatile, careful consideration of the context is crucial due to its inherent intensity. Alternatives like "I aim to demolish" or "I desire to eradicate" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of force. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the severity of the situation to avoid sounding melodramatic or disproportionate.

FAQs

How can I use "I want to destroy" in a sentence?

You can use "I want to destroy" to express a strong desire to eliminate something harmful. For instance, "I want to destroy the prejudice that divides us."

What are some alternatives to "I want to destroy"?

Alternatives include "I aim to demolish", "I desire to eradicate", or "I intend to obliterate" depending on the context.

Is "I want to destroy" too strong of a phrase to use in formal writing?

It depends on the context. In academic or professional settings, consider using a more nuanced phrase that conveys the same meaning with less intensity, such as "I seek to dismantle" or "My goal is to eliminate".

What's the difference between "I want to destroy" and "I want to eliminate"?

"I want to destroy" implies a forceful action that results in ruin or demolition, while "I want to eliminate" suggests a complete removal, often without the connotation of violence or damage.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: