be exterminated

USAGE SUMMARY

'be exterminated' is a valid and grammatically correct phrase in written English.
As an example, you can use 'be exterminated' when making a reference to the intentional or systematic destruction of a group of people or things. For example, "The government has declared that all pests must be exterminated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pests must be exterminated.

The Guardian - Books

Jews needed to be exterminated.

The New Yorker

FRANK: Culture cannot be exterminated.

Yale University

"They should be exterminated," he said.

The New Yorker

Without them, they would be exterminated.

The Guardian

Conservationists wonder how the foreigners might be exterminated.

Independent

The Brotherhood are demonised as "terrorists" who must be exterminated.

Independent

Apple confirmed them and says they'll be exterminated shortly.

The New York Times - Tech

No one suggests that they should simply be exterminated.

The Guardian - Film

"Maybe I'm going to be exterminated," she said.

The New Yorker

We ought to be exterminated at the age of 25".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be exterminated" when referring to the deliberate and complete removal or destruction of a group, species, or idea, especially when the action is systematic or ruthless. This phrase carries a strong connotation of finality and intent.

Common error

Avoid using "be exterminated" in situations where a less forceful term like "eliminated" or "removed" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can sound hyperbolic or insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be exterminated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being completely destroyed or eliminated. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be exterminated" is a grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe the complete and intentional destruction of something, often implying a negative connotation. Ludwig AI validates this with numerous examples predominantly from news and media sources, with notable presence in academic texts. The phrase carries a tone that ranges from neutral to formal, fitting serious contexts where complete removal is intended. When writing, consider the gravity of the situation before employing this phrase, and be aware of the potential for hyperbole. Alternatives such as "be eliminated" or "be eradicated" may be more appropriate in less severe contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be eradicated

Similar in meaning to "exterminated", but often used in the context of diseases or abstract problems.

be annihilated

Focuses on complete destruction and obliteration, similar to extermination.

be eliminated

Uses a less forceful term than "exterminated", implying removal or eradication.

be extirpated

A more formal and scientific term for eradicating a species from a specific area.

be wiped out

A more informal way of saying "be exterminated", implying complete removal.

be destroyed

A general term for causing something to no longer exist; less specific than "exterminated".

be liquidated

Can imply being killed or eliminated, often used in business contexts to mean dissolving a company.

be abolished

Primarily refers to the formal ending of a system, practice, or institution.

be suppressed

Implies being forcibly put down or prevented from developing or operating.

be removed

A more neutral term signifying the act of taking something away, lacking the destructive connotations of "exterminated".

FAQs

How is "be exterminated" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "be exterminated" describes the complete and intentional destruction of a group or species. For example, "The rats needed to be exterminated" or "The old prejudices needed to be exterminated".

What are some alternatives to "be exterminated"?

You can use alternatives like "be eliminated", "be eradicated", or "be annihilated" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be exterminated"?

It's appropriate when referring to a deliberate act aimed at completely wiping out a population or group, often associated with negative or undesirable entities, such as pests or harmful ideologies. Consider the gravity of the situation, as the phrase implies complete destruction.

What's the difference between "be exterminated" and "be eliminated"?

"Be exterminated" implies a more thorough and often ruthless process of destruction, typically applied to living beings or ideas considered harmful. "Be eliminated" is a broader term that suggests removal, which can be achieved through various means, not necessarily involving destruction. It can apply to objects, problems, or even people.