deletes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deletes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of removing or erasing something, typically in the context of digital content or data. Example: "He accidentally deletes the important file from his computer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The brain reconstructs the memory and deletes certain things.

The Guardian - Tech

If a user deletes a cookie, an evercookie script can then recreate it.

The Economist

It deletes entirely an article in the current document guaranteeing human rights.

The Economist

Instead, firms need to go on the offensive, using everything from spyware that monitors suspected hackers' activities to software that retrieves or deletes pilfered property (see article).

The Economist

But the WHO reckons that claims about e-cigarettes being a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes are often "overstated".Snapchat, a photo-messaging app that deletes images several seconds after opening them, was reportedly valued at $10 billion after its latest round of capital-raising.

The Economist

They come with an expiration date, which can be minutes or years ahead, after which the browser deletes them.Cookies are a staple on sites which require users to log in, allowing for a continuous session after a single authentication.

The Economist

Users can not only request that a company show what data it holds on them; they can also demand that it deletes all copies.

The Economist

It can lampoon a system that deletes accounts and allows them to pop up again under a new name, only for the new accounts to be deleted in turn.

The Economist

Purging these more insidious items requires fiddling with the browser's cache, or using a private-browsing mode that deletes nearly everything at the end of each session.

The Economist

Sina Corp, a private firm, deletes postings that annoy the party within hours.

The Economist

On the simplest level, SQL consists of only a few commands: Select, which grabs data; Insert, which adds data to a database; Update, which changes information; and Delete, which deletes information.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deletes", ensure the object being deleted is clearly specified for clarity. For example, instead of saying "it deletes", specify "the program deletes the temporary files".

Common error

Avoid assuming "deletes" implies permanent removal in all contexts. In some systems, deleted items may be recoverable. Specify "permanently deletes" if that's your intent.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deletes" is a third-person singular present tense verb. It indicates that a subject performs the action of removing or erasing something. As Ludwig AI points out, this usage is supported by numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deletes" functions as a third-person singular verb that communicates the act of removing or erasing something, commonly in digital contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various sources, particularly in News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, being mindful of the scope of the "deletion" action is crucial for clarity. Alternatives like "removes", "erases", and "eliminates" can be considered based on specific context. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and precise communication when using the word "deletes".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

removes

Indicates taking something away, differing slightly in formality.

erases

Suggests wiping something clean, implying a more thorough removal.

cancels

Implies stopping or voiding something, usually an event or order.

eliminates

Suggests getting rid of something completely, often something undesirable.

obliterates

Implies destroying something completely, leaving no trace.

expunges

Indicates removing something, usually from a record or list, often with legal implications.

takes out

A more informal way of saying removes.

cuts out

Indicates removing a part of something.

gets rid of

A colloquial way of saying eliminates.

withdraws

Suggests taking something back or away, often used in a formal context.

FAQs

How is "deletes" used in programming?

In programming, "deletes" is often used in SQL commands or scripting to remove data entries or files. For instance, the command DELETE FROM table_name WHERE condition; deletes entries from a database table that match the specified condition.

What are some common synonyms for "deletes"?

Common synonyms for "deletes" include "removes", "erases", "cancels", and "eliminates". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "deletes" the same as "archives"?

No, "deletes" and "archives" are not the same. "Deletes" means to remove something, potentially making it unrecoverable, while "archives" means to store something away for future reference. Archiving implies preservation, while deleting implies removal.

When is it appropriate to use "deletes" versus "removes"?

While both are similar, "deletes" is often used in the context of digital data and files, while "removes" can be used in a broader range of contexts. For instance, you might say "the software deletes temporary files" but "he removes the book from the shelf".