crush them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crush them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one intends to defeat or overpower someone or something, often in a competitive or aggressive manner. Example: "In the final match, our team was determined to crush them and secure the championship title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Crush them without pity".

The Guardian - Sport

Crush them lightly.

The New York Times

"We will crush them".

The New York Times

And crush them they will.

The New York Times - Magazine

One day I shall crush them!

The New Yorker

"I think Under Armour would crush them.

The New York Times

Elephants can crush them with their feet.

The Guardian

"I thought the Soviets would crush them".

The New York Times - Sports

"If we can crush them, we crush them," Luis Aragonés told his players at Euro 2008.

The Guardian - Sport

"You don't have to crush them the whole time".

The New York Times - Sports

If somebody was hurting your kid, you would crush them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crush them" when you want to convey a sense of overwhelming victory or forceful suppression. It's suitable in contexts where a decisive and often aggressive approach is implied.

Common error

Avoid using "crush them" in formal or professional settings where a more nuanced or diplomatic tone is required. Opt for alternatives like "defeat them" or "overcome them" to maintain a professional demeanor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crush them" functions as a verb phrase expressing an intention to overwhelmingly defeat or suppress someone or something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a grammatically correct expression. The examples show its usage across various domains to convey a forceful action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

43%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "crush them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a desire for overwhelming victory or forceful suppression. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While common in news, media, and informal contexts, it's advisable to use alternatives like "defeat them" or "overcome them" in formal settings to maintain a professional tone. This phrase is most effectively employed when a decisive and aggressive approach is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defeat them

Replaces "crush" with a more general term for winning, less aggressive.

overwhelm them

Suggests a victory by force of numbers or intensity, emphasizing the scale of defeat.

overpower them

Focuses on winning through superior strength or force.

vanquish them

Implies a more formal or historical context of defeating an enemy.

trounce them

Emphasizes a decisive and comprehensive defeat.

subdue them

Focuses on bringing someone or something under control.

demolish them

Suggests completely dismantling or ruining something, often in a competitive sense.

suppress them

Emphasizes the act of preventing someone or something from acting or expressing themselves.

conquer them

Suggests gaining control through military force or sustained effort.

annihilate them

Implies complete destruction or obliteration.

FAQs

How can I use "crush them" in a sentence?

You can use "crush them" to express a desire to overwhelmingly defeat someone or something. For example, "The team is determined to crush them in the upcoming competition."

What are some alternatives to "crush them"?

You can use alternatives like "defeat them", "overwhelm them", or "vanquish them" depending on the context.

Is "crush them" appropriate for formal writing?

While "crush them" is grammatically correct, it may be too informal or aggressive for formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "defeat them" or "overcome them" in professional contexts.

What does "crush them" imply?

"Crush them" implies a complete and often forceful victory, suggesting an intent to dominate or suppress the opposition. It can convey a more aggressive or intense sentiment than simply "defeat them".