can be annihilated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be annihilated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing destruction, elimination, or complete removal of something. Example: "In theory, certain particles can be annihilated when they collide with their antiparticles, resulting in the release of energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

She writes that the only way caste can be annihilated is if "those who call themselves revolutionary develop a radical critique of Brahminism".

The Guardian - Books

The difference is that a country can be annihilated in a single battle or written out of existence in an afternoon at a conference table.

The Guardian - Opinion

He conjured the implication of the memory hole down which truth and the public record can be annihilated in a blast furnace or bonfire of human identity and history.

The Guardian

Acquired karmas can be annihilated through a process called nirjara ("wearing away"), which includes fasting, restricting diet, controlling taste, retreating to lonely places, along with mortifications of the body, atonement and expiation for sins, modesty, service, study, meditation, and renunciation of the ego.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The quenching mechanism is believed that the excited states of Ru bpy 32+ can be annihilated by quinone units in PDANSs via energy transfer.

Analytica Chimica Acta

Experimental studies have demonstrated that alternans can be annihilated by the feedback modulation of the basic pacing interval in a small piece of cardiac tissue.

Computers & Chemical Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction works on the basis that retaliation can take place immediately so that those annihilating us will themselves be annihilated.

The Guardian - Opinion

They must be annihilated".

The New Yorker

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can be annihilated" to emphasize complete and irreversible destruction or elimination, particularly in scientific or formal contexts. Ensure that the subject is something that logically can undergo such a complete process.

Common error

Avoid using "can be annihilated" in casual conversation or informal writing. The term carries a weight of finality and intensity that is often inappropriate for everyday situations. Consider using words like 'destroyed' or 'eliminated' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be annihilated" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of something undergoing complete destruction or elimination. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The auxiliary verb 'can' denotes potential, while 'be annihilated' specifies the action.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be annihilated" is a grammatically sound phrase indicating the possibility of complete destruction or elimination. Ludwig AI highlights its correctness and common usage in more formal or scientific contexts. While synonyms like "can be destroyed" or "can be eliminated" exist, "can be annihilated" emphasizes a more final and irreversible outcome. It's best to reserve this phrase for situations where the intensity of complete destruction is warranted. The phrase appears most frequently in Science and News & Media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be destroyed

Replaces "annihilated" with a more common and general term for destruction.

can be eliminated

Substitutes "annihilated" with a term focusing on removal or eradication.

can be eradicated

Replaces "annihilated" with a term suggesting complete and permanent removal, often used for abstract concepts.

can be obliterated

Replaces "annihilated" with a term emphasizing complete destruction and erasure.

can be extinguished

Substitutes "annihilated" with a term often used for ending or suppressing something.

can be negated

Replaces "annihilated" with a term focusing on the nullification or invalidation of something.

can be nullified

Substitutes "annihilated" with a term focusing on making something legally void or ineffective.

can be decimated

Substitutes "annihilated" with a term suggesting severe reduction or destruction, often of a population.

can be dismantled

Replaces "annihilated" with a term focusing on taking something apart piece by piece.

can be dismantled

Substitutes "annihilated" with a term focusing on taking something apart piece by piece.

FAQs

What does "can be annihilated" mean?

The phrase "can be annihilated" means something has the potential to be completely destroyed or eliminated to the point of non-existence.

What are some synonyms for "can be annihilated"?

Alternatives include "can be destroyed", "can be eliminated", or "can be obliterated", each carrying varying degrees of intensity and formality.

Is it appropriate to use "can be annihilated" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "can be annihilated" is quite formal. Simpler alternatives like "can be destroyed" or "can be removed" are generally more suitable for informal contexts.

How does "can be annihilated" differ from "can be destroyed"?

"Can be annihilated" implies a more complete and utter destruction than "can be destroyed". Annihilation suggests that nothing remains after the process, whereas destruction may leave remnants or traces.