bent on destroying

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bent on destroying" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is determined or intent on causing destruction or harm. Example: "The villain was bent on destroying the hero's reputation, no matter the cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

The day after he bowed out, she excelled herself again during eight hours of Congressional inquisition by Republicans bent on destroying her.

Independent

More significantly, Lanier said his mentality changed from one bent on destroying the opposition to one that ultimately looked out for his opponent.

The New York Times - Sports

At the same time, one of van Alstyne's sons is a villain bent on destroying his father.

The New York Times

Some suggested that the IRS was the tool of a dictatorship bent on destroying America's democracy.

The Economist

I met entire families, two of three generations, who seemed bent on destroying themselves with booze... Writer offers his recipe.

The New Yorker

Of the Bosnian Muslims, that they were the Ottoman Turks of old bent on destroying the Serbs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Jakarta is hell-bent on destroying the West Papuans, culturally and, if necessary, physically.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anguilla's chief minister, Hubert Hughes, signed a pact last month, but not before accusing Britain of being "hell-bent on destroying the livelihood of the people".

The Economist

He might sound like a neo-Luddite hell-bent on destroying weapons of mass communication, but Smith works for the world's biggest mobile-phone manufacturer.

Independent

If they didn't, why are Republicans so hell-bent on destroying them?

Huffington Post

The Dongria Kondh ... are struggling to defend their land against a mining company hell-bent on destroying their sacred mountain.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bent on destroying" to convey a strong sense of purpose and malicious intent. It's effective when describing villains or forces actively working towards destruction.

Common error

Avoid using "bent on destroying" when a milder term like "opposed to" or "disagreeing with" would be more accurate. The phrase implies a high degree of intent and active effort to cause destruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bent on destroying" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes a subject's unwavering intention or determination to cause destruction. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples where the phrase characterizes individuals, groups, or entities actively pursuing destructive goals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

8%

Huffington Post

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

The New Yorker

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bent on destroying" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone or something resolutely intending to cause destruction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media to depict villains, opposing forces, or entities with malicious intent. While it can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it's essential to understand the weight and intensity the phrase carries, avoiding its use when milder terms are more appropriate. Alternatives like "intent on ruining" or "determined to demolish" can offer nuanced variations depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intent on ruining

Focuses more on the negative outcome of the action rather than the act of destroying.

determined to demolish

Emphasizes the firm decision to tear something down completely.

resolved to devastate

Highlights the intention to cause widespread damage and destruction.

hell-bent on obliterating

Adds a sense of recklessness and intensity to the act of destroying.

aiming to annihilate

Stresses the goal of completely eliminating something.

focused on dismantling

Emphasizes the systematic breaking down of a structure or system.

set on undermining

Highlights the intention to weaken or sabotage something gradually.

driven to eradicate

Emphasizes the motivation behind completely removing something.

eager to crush

Expresses enthusiasm for suppressing or defeating something completely.

wanting to subvert

Focuses on the desire to overthrow or destabilize something.

FAQs

How can I use "bent on destroying" in a sentence?

Use "bent on destroying" to describe someone or something with a determined and malicious intent to cause destruction. For example, "The villain was "bent on destroying" the city."

What are some alternatives to "bent on destroying"?

You can use alternatives like "intent on ruining", "determined to demolish", or "hell-bent on obliterating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bent on destroying" formal or informal?

"Bent on destroying" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is frequently found in news articles and literature, as shown by the examples provided by Ludwig.

What's the difference between "bent on destroying" and "bent on ruining"?

While both phrases suggest a determined effort to cause harm, ""bent on destroying"" implies a more complete and physical obliteration, whereas "bent on ruining" suggests damage to reputation, plans, or well-being.