delete

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "delete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to eliminate or erase something, especially in a digital context. For example, "The unwanted files were deleted from the system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If people think they can delete their criminal history, it won't occur.

The Guardian - Tech

5 We will use personal information only for the purposes for which it was originally collected and we will make sure we delete it securely.

The Guardian

4) If you've got a Tumblr or Wordpress blog, delete that too.

The Guardian - Tech

"You can delete a billboard image but you can't erase betrayal.

The Guardian

Last November the Tory party chairman used legal threats to force a local constituent and ex-Labour councillor to delete an allegedly libellous post on a Facebook group about his use of the pseudonym and replace it with an apology that explicitly states that he was not using the Michael Green pseudonym when he was an MP.

The Guardian

The idea that an individual editor, appointed by students to serve for a term of one year, believes they have the right to trawl through the paper's archives and delete articles they disagree with is anathema to the principles Tharunka has stood for".

The Guardian

Typically, almost everything on a guided tour can be photographed, but tourists are sometimes requested to delete sensitive images.

The Guardian

Users will now have to grant permission before the firm creates a profile on them, and Google has to honour requests to delete data within two months (although it will have an additional six months to remove the content from backups).

The Guardian - Tech

Hughes added: "If politicians think they can delete findings about their expenses, that's not going to … [happen].

The Guardian - Tech

With Franzen's words ringing in my ears, I went to press delete.

The Guardian - Books

Should the footballer have the right to delete the slur he made on the pitch?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delete" in technical writing, specify the scope of deletion (e.g., "delete the file", "delete the row") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Be aware that deleting a file doesn't always mean it's permanently gone. Data recovery tools can sometimes retrieve deleted information, so use secure deletion methods when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The word "delete" primarily functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to specify what is being removed. It describes the act of eliminating or erasing something, especially in digital or written contexts. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a valid and usable term.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

29%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "delete" is a versatile and widely used transitive verb indicating the removal or erasure of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Its frequent appearance in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science domains highlights its broad applicability. While often used in digital contexts, it can also refer to physical removal. Remember that while "delete" implies removal, it doesn't guarantee permanent erasure. Alternatives like ""remove"", ""erase"", and "eliminate" can be used depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove

This suggests taking something away, often physically or digitally. It's a general term for displacement.

erase

This implies wiping something out completely, often leaving no trace. Stronger connotation of obliteration.

eliminate

This conveys the removal of something unnecessary or undesirable. Focus on purification and improving efficiency.

expunge

This suggests erasing or removing something completely, as if it never existed, often used in legal contexts.

obliterate

This indicates complete destruction, leaving no remnants. It's a more intense term than "delete".

cancel

This suggests voiding or annulling something, often an event or agreement. Focus on cessation of an action.

discard

This implies throwing something away as useless or unwanted. Indicates lower value or obsolescence.

purge

This involves the systematic removal of undesirable elements. Connotation of purification and renewal.

cut out

This means to remove something from a larger context. Emphasizes separation from the source.

take out

This indicates removing something, often with the intention of using it elsewhere. Focus on extraction and relocation.

FAQs

How to use "delete" in a sentence?

You can use "delete" in a sentence to indicate the removal of something, like "I need to "remove" that file from the server" or "Please "erase" the mistake from the document".

What can I say instead of "delete"?

You can use alternatives like ""remove"", ""erase"", or "eliminate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "delete" or "deletion"?

"Delete" is a verb that indicates the action of removing, while "deletion" is a noun that refers to the act of removing something. For example, "I will delete the file" vs "The deletion of the file is complete".

What's the difference between "delete" and "remove"?

"Delete" often implies a more permanent removal, especially in digital contexts, while ""remove"" can refer to a more temporary or physical removal. Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey.