cause destruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause destruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe the act of creating damage or devastation, often in a dramatic or serious manner. Example: "The hurricane was powerful enough to cause destruction across the entire coastal region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To cause destruction and death in the name of activities that are, in themselves, clearly destructive, is very far from brave.

Huffington Post

Its momentum is enough to cause destruction.

The Economist

"They want to cause destruction".

The New York Times - Tech

It would kill and cause destruction.

The Guardian

These can cause destruction on a global scale.

The Guardian

Unfortunately, the practices associated with planting, cultivating, and harvesting usually cause destruction of soil structure.

Britannica

Often preceded by heavy rains, the formations can cause destruction and in some cases cost lives.

The Washington Post

An exception would be where this contamination would cause destruction of microbial ecosystems.

Space Policy

Land cover changes and urbanization cause destruction of natural habitats and threaten biodiversity.

Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment

"He had the knowledge and the will to cause destruction, injury and death".

Independent

There is no room in the Sector General world for blaster-wielding "heroes" who cause destruction and death.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause destruction", consider the scale and scope of the damage. Use more specific verbs to enhance impact, such as "obliterate", "devastate", or "demolish", where appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "cause destruction" with abstract nouns where a more concrete verb would be more effective. For example, instead of "cause destruction to trust", consider "erode trust" or "undermine trust".

Linguistic Context

"Cause destruction" functions as a verb phrase where 'cause' is the verb and 'destruction' is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in English. It describes an action that results in damage or devastation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

38%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause destruction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe actions leading to significant damage. As shown by Ludwig, it appears commonly in news, media, and scientific contexts, reflecting its versatility in conveying various scales of devastation. While "cause destruction" is correct, consider the specific context and scope of damage to select more precise alternatives like ""wreak havoc"" or ""inflict damage"" for enhanced impact. The phrase is generally formal, but its neutrality allows it to be adapted for a wide range of applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wreak havoc

Implies widespread disorder and damage, often sudden and violent.

inflict damage

Focuses on the act of causing harm or injury.

trigger devastation

Highlights the initiation of widespread ruin and desolation.

generate damage

Emphasizes the creation or production of harm.

bring about ruin

Suggests a complete collapse or downfall.

spark destruction

Conveys a sudden and forceful beginning of damage.

lead to devastation

Indicates a sequence where one event results in widespread ruin.

create havoc

Similar to "wreak havoc", but emphasizes the act of creating disorder.

induce damage

Focuses on the act of persuading or influencing something to cause harm.

produce devastation

Stresses the outcome of creating widespread ruin.

FAQs

How can I use "cause destruction" in a sentence?

You can use "cause destruction" to describe events or actions that lead to significant damage or devastation. For instance, "The earthquake caused destruction across the coastal city".

What are some alternatives to "cause destruction"?

Alternatives include "wreak havoc", "inflict damage", or "trigger devastation". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it better to say "cause destruction" or "cause damage"?

"Cause damage" is generally more common and applies to a broader range of situations. "Cause destruction" implies a more significant and widespread level of damage. Consider the extent of the impact when choosing between the two.

What is the difference between "cause devastation" and "cause destruction"?

While similar, "cause devastation" often suggests a more profound and emotionally impactful level of ruin than "cause destruction". Devastation often carries a sense of utter desolation, whereas destruction may refer to primarily physical damage.