completely destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely destroyed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been entirely ruined or rendered unusable. Example: "After the hurricane, the coastal town was completely destroyed, leaving many residents without homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is completely destroyed.

The Guardian

It was completely destroyed.

The New York Times

"It completely destroyed him".

The New York Times

"Trails are completely destroyed.

The Guardian

"The house is completely destroyed.

Independent

"The compound was completely destroyed.

The New York Times

It completely destroyed the gap.

The New York Times

Some villages are completely destroyed.

The Guardian

The city was completely destroyed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Actually, it has been completely destroyed.

The New York Times

Their one-touch play completely destroyed us.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "completely destroyed", ensure the context clearly indicates the extent of the destruction. Avoid hyperbole and provide specific details to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "completely destroyed" when the damage is only partial or superficial. This can weaken your writing and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely destroyed" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective to describe the state of a noun. It emphasizes the thoroughness and totality of the destruction. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "completely destroyed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used descriptive phrase that emphasizes the total ruin of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, carrying a neutral register. While it can be used to describe physical damage or emotional states, it's important to ensure the context aligns with the phrase's intensity to maintain clarity and avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "utterly devastated" or "totally annihilated" can provide subtle variations in meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely ruined

Similar in meaning, but can apply to less physical forms of destruction such as reputation or plans.

utterly devastated

Emphasizes the emotional impact of destruction, implying a profound sense of loss or ruin.

totally annihilated

Suggests a complete and utter obliteration, often used in more forceful or dramatic contexts.

reduced to rubble

Focuses on the physical state of being destroyed, highlighting the remnants and debris.

wiped off the map

Implies a complete removal or erasure, often used metaphorically for places or entities.

razed to the ground

Highlights the action of tearing down or demolishing something completely.

obliterated entirely

Reinforces the idea of complete and total removal, leaving no trace behind.

absolutely wrecked

Implies a severe state of damage, potentially beyond repair, suggesting a more informal tone.

irreparably damaged

Focuses on the inability to restore or fix something, emphasizing the lasting impact of the destruction.

decimated beyond repair

Highlights the severity of the damage and the impossibility of restoration, conveys a sense of hopelessness.

FAQs

How can I use "completely destroyed" in a sentence?

You can use "completely destroyed" to describe something that has been utterly ruined or demolished. For example, "The hurricane "completely destroyed" the coastal town."

What are some alternatives to saying "completely destroyed"?

Alternatives include "utterly devastated", "totally annihilated", or "reduced to rubble", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "completely destroyed" to describe emotional states?

While "completely destroyed" is typically used for physical destruction, it can be used metaphorically to describe emotional states, although phrases like "utterly devastated" or "emotionally shattered" may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "completely destroyed" and "partially damaged"?

"Completely destroyed" implies total ruin, leaving nothing usable or intact. "Partially damaged" suggests that some parts remain functional or repairable.