be annihilated

USAGE SUMMARY

"be annihilated" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing destruction or complete elimination. Example: "If the plan fails, the evidence may be annihilated." Alternative expressions include "be destroyed" and "be eradicated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They must be annihilated".

The New Yorker

They would be annihilated.

The Washington Post

"Islamist fundamentalism must be annihilated," she said.

The New Yorker

Why should they not be annihilated?

The New Yorker

Change should be gradual, but distance should be annihilated.

The New Yorker

He tweets that Israel must be annihilated -- he tweets.

The Washington Post

'I was well aware that we would be annihilated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If we carried on like this, we would be annihilated.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Islamist fundamentalism must be annihilated," Le Pen says.

The New York Times

And what causes such mania to blossom into the lethal conviction that everything must be annihilated?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It had rendered him a wild boy, and he had chosen not to be annihilated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be annihilated" when you want to convey a sense of total destruction or complete eradication, leaving nothing remaining. It carries a strong, forceful connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "be annihilated" in situations where the level of destruction is not significant. Overusing this phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Instead, consider milder alternatives like "be removed", "be eliminated", or "be defeated" if the context doesn't warrant such a forceful term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be annihilated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something or someone is the recipient of the action of complete destruction. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is commonly used to express the potential or inevitable obliteration of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

18%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be annihilated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that signifies complete destruction or eradication. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey a sense of finality and emphasizes the severity of a situation. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic writing. When employing this phrase, remember to reserve it for scenarios where the level of destruction genuinely warrants such a strong term, and consider alternatives like "be destroyed" or "be eliminated" for milder contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be completely destroyed

Emphasizes the totality of the destruction, similar to annihilation.

be obliterated

Suggests complete destruction, often leaving no trace or memory.

be utterly wiped out

Conveys a sense of thorough removal and elimination.

be totally eradicated

Focuses on the complete removal of something, leaving no trace.

be decimated

Implies a significant reduction, often to the point of near destruction.

be reduced to nothing

Highlights the state of non-existence after destruction.

be extinguished

Suggests a forceful end to existence, like putting out a flame.

be vanquished

Implies defeat and subsequent obliteration, often in a conflict.

cease to exist

A formal way of saying something no longer exists, akin to annihilation.

meet one's end

Euphemistic way to imply destruction or cessation of existence.

FAQs

How do you use "be annihilated" in a sentence?

The phrase "be annihilated" is used to describe something being completely destroyed or eradicated. For example: "If the missile strikes, the city will "be annihilated"."

What are some synonyms for "be annihilated"?

Synonyms for "be annihilated" include "be obliterated", "be destroyed", "be eradicated", and "be wiped out". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "be annihilated" in formal writing?

Yes, "be annihilated" is appropriate in formal writing when the context involves complete destruction or eradication. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What is the difference between "be annihilated" and "be destroyed"?

"Be destroyed" is a more general term for something being damaged or ruined. "Be annihilated" implies a more complete and total destruction, leaving nothing remaining. The phrase "be annihilated" suggests a stronger sense of finality than "be destroyed".