be destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be destroyed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something will undergo destruction or be rendered unusable. Example: "If the project fails to meet the deadline, all the data will be destroyed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It must be destroyed.

The New Yorker

Cattle had to be destroyed.

The New York Times - Arts

To be destroyed".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Islam must be destroyed.

The Guardian - Tech

I cannot be destroyed and I will not be destroyed.

Independent

Their precious habitat could soon be destroyed.

Independent

I won't let her be destroyed".

The New York Times

But they would not be destroyed.

The Economist

And no embryo need be destroyed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Boxes can't be destroyed.

Independent

They may consequently be destroyed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider the connotations of "be destroyed". While widely acceptable, stronger synonyms like "be obliterated" or "be annihilated" can amplify the impact of your message, while milder options like "be ruined" or "be dismantled" may soften it.

Common error

Avoid using "be destroy" instead of "be destroyed". The latter is the correct passive form, while the former omits the necessary past participle.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be destroyed" functions as a passive construction, where the subject receives the action of being destroyed. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in various contexts, from physical destruction to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be destroyed" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to indicate that something undergoes destruction or is rendered unusable. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to convey consequences, issue warnings, or state facts about destruction. When using this phrase, ensure correct tense usage (avoiding "be destroy") and consider synonyms like "be annihilated" or "be ruined" to fine-tune your message's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be annihilated

Emphasizes complete obliteration or total destruction.

be obliterated

Suggests a complete removal or erasure, often more forceful than simple destruction.

be demolished

Focuses on the physical act of tearing down or dismantling something, often a structure.

be ruined

Indicates a state of irreparable damage or decay.

be devastated

Implies widespread destruction and emotional impact.

be eliminated

Highlights complete removal or eradication, often used in a more abstract sense.

be eradicated

Stresses the complete wiping out or uprooting of something, often a problem or disease.

be terminated

Focuses on the ending or cessation of something, potentially through destruction.

be dismantled

Implies taking something apart piece by piece, often leading to its destruction or non-functionality.

be consumed

Suggests destruction by fire or some other consuming force.

FAQs

How can I use "be destroyed" in a sentence?

Use "be destroyed" when you want to indicate that something is reduced to nothing or rendered unusable. For example: "The documents must "be destroyed" immediately" or "The city will "be destroyed" if the volcano erupts".

What are some alternatives to "be destroyed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "be annihilated", "be obliterated", or "be ruined".

Is it better to use "be destroyed" or a more active construction?

The choice depends on the desired emphasis. "Be destroyed" focuses on the object, whereas an active construction (e.g., "someone destroyed it") focuses on the actor. For example, "The building was destroyed" emphasizes the building, while "The army destroyed the building" emphasizes the army.

What's the difference between "be destroyed" and "be damaged"?

"Be damaged" implies harm or impairment, whereas "be destroyed" indicates complete ruin or obliteration. Something that is damaged can potentially be repaired, while something that is "be destroyed" is beyond repair.