completely destroy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely destroy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when emphasizing the totality of destruction, indicating that something is entirely obliterated or rendered unusable. Example: "The hurricane completely destroyed the coastal town, leaving nothing but debris in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This will completely destroy me," she predicted.

The New Yorker

It would completely destroy its authority.

The Guardian

Romney wants to completely destroy unions".

The Guardian

These swarms may completely destroy crops in an invaded region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"A relationship would completely destroy the working dynamic between them".

The Guardian - Books

It would completely destroy the confidence of our customers".

The Guardian - Business

"Yet twenty thousand Taliban can completely destroy these thirty million lives.

The New Yorker

Although we try, the force of nature is something we cannot completely destroy.

The Guardian - Arts

It's very bizarre, the way that very minute inflection or intonation can completely destroy a laugh.

The Guardian

"Similarly, the actions of Isis do not completely destroy memory, even while they destroy unique artefacts".

The Guardian

Their removal is unlikely to completely destroy a group, but it does change the dynamic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in formal or business contexts where you want to convey an image of calm and order consider using less charged alternatives like "completely eliminate", "entirely eradicate", or similar synonyms.

Common error

While "completely destroy" is impactful, overuse can diminish its effect. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "obliterate", "annihilate", or "demolish" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely destroy" functions as a verb phrase, where "completely" modifies the verb "destroy", intensifying its meaning. It's used to express the total obliteration or ruination of something. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "completely destroy" is a verb phrase used to emphasize the thoroughness of destruction. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in English. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its versatility. While effective, varying your vocabulary is advisable to avoid redundancy. Synonyms such as "utterly annihilate" or "totally demolish" can offer nuanced alternatives. The register is considered neutral, fitting for diverse communication scenarios. Understanding its function and context helps ensure impactful and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly annihilate

Emphasizes total destruction, carrying a strong, often violent, connotation.

totally demolish

Focuses on the physical act of tearing down or dismantling something entirely.

wipe out completely

Highlights the removal or eradication of something, leaving no trace.

obliterate entirely

Suggests erasing something from existence, often used in a more abstract sense.

decimate fully

Indicates severe reduction or destruction, though originally referred to a specific portion.

raze to the ground

Specifically implies leveling a structure or area, leaving nothing standing.

eradicate completely

Focuses on the complete removal of something, especially something undesirable.

extinguish entirely

Suggests putting an end to something, like a flame or an idea, completely.

demolish completely

Highlights destruction and demolition, but more focused on physical objects.

annihilate completely

Emphasizes total destruction and obliteration, leaving nothing remaining.

FAQs

What does "completely destroy" mean?

The phrase "completely destroy" means to utterly obliterate or ruin something to the point where it is irreparable or ceases to exist. It emphasizes the totality of the destruction.

What can I say instead of "completely destroy"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly annihilate", "totally demolish", or "wipe out completely" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "completely destroy"?

While "destroy" already implies significant damage, adding "completely" reinforces the thoroughness of the destruction, emphasizing that nothing is left. While it can be considered redundant, it depends on how much you want to emphasize the scale of the damage or loss.

How to use "completely destroy" in a sentence?

You can use "completely destroy" in a sentence like: "The fire completely destroyed the building" or "The new policy could "completely wreck" the company's reputation".