be destroyed by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be destroyed by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something will be ruined or eliminated by a specific agent or force. Example: "The ancient ruins may be destroyed by a natural disaster if proper precautions are not taken."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It can be destroyed by a hug.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Passion, you see, can be destroyed by a doctor.

The Guardian - Books

But both could be destroyed by a lack of grease.

The New York Times

It also shows that a Putinite regime can be destroyed by a popular revolution.

The Washington Post

This would enable the missiles to be destroyed by a collision with a high-speed projectile.

The New York Times

He expected that capitalism would be destroyed by a revolutionary working class that it brought into being.

Harvard University

Doesn't it follow that a soul, an immaterial entity, can't be destroyed by a material, physical process?

Yale University

If the soul is immaterial, doesn't it follow automatically, trivially, that the soul can't be destroyed by a material process?

Yale University

Wilbur dies and rises back to life only to be destroyed by a shovel to the head.

The New York Times

If the heart was heavy, the soul might be destroyed by a hybrid creature called the Devouress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And thirdly, the knock-and-announce rule protects those elements of privacy and dignity that can be destroyed by a sudden entrance.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "be destroyed by a", ensure that the agent causing the destruction is clearly identified to provide context and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be destroyed by a" without specifying what is causing the destruction. Vague statements can confuse readers and weaken the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be destroyed by a" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something is acted upon and suffers annihilation or significant damage due to an external agent. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

21%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be destroyed by a" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that something is annihilated or severely damaged by a specific agent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It is frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Science contexts. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly identify the agent of destruction to avoid vagueness and ensure clarity. Alternatives include phrases such as "be ruined by a" or "be eliminated by a", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be annihilated by a

This alternative implies a more complete and utter destruction.

be wiped out by a

This alternative means to be completely eradicated or eliminated.

be eradicated by a

Implies a thorough and permanent removal or destruction.

be ruined by a

This suggests a severe negative impact, although not necessarily complete destruction.

be eliminated by a

This term is a more neutral alternative implying the removal of something.

be devastated by a

Similar to 'ruined' but implies widespread damage and emotional impact.

be consumed by a

This conveys the idea of something being completely used up or engulfed by something else.

be defeated by a

Suggests a loss or failure caused by an opposing force or entity.

be conquered by a

Implies subjugation and control by an external force.

be overthrown by a

Conveys a sense of forceful removal from a position of power or authority.

FAQs

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

This phrase indicates something is eliminated or ruined by a specific cause. For example, "The evidence could "be destroyed by a" fire" or "The crops might "be destroyed by a" flood".

What are some alternatives to "be destroyed by a"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "be ruined by a", "be eliminated by a", or "be devastated by a".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be destroyed by a"?

The phrase itself is in passive voice. Using the active voice might be clearer in many cases. For example, instead of "The city will "be destroyed by a" hurricane", you could say "A hurricane will destroy the city".

What are some common things that can "be destroyed by a"?

Common examples include physical objects like buildings (e.g. ""be destroyed by a" fire"), relationships (e.g. ""be destroyed by a" betrayal"), or abstract concepts like hope (e.g. ""be destroyed by a" setback").