destroy from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "destroy from" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It is not typically used in any context, as it lacks a proper grammatical structure and does not make sense. Example: "We need to destroy from the inside out" does not work as intended.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The site is hardened, and probably beyond Israel's ability to destroy from the air.

The New York Times

Some Iranian facilities are buried too deeply to destroy from the air.

The New York Times

A showman, he told the country he could destroy from the inside all that voters hated about the party.

The Economist

Gregor receives a letter he tries to destroy — from his adoptive mother, whom he has claimed was dead.

The New York Times - Books

Taliban ground forces are hard to locate and destroy from the air because, in the absence of a formidable ground opponent, they can easily disperse.

The New York Times

"There's nothing more corrosive to a society if you've got people who want to destroy from within by persecuting others because of their colour or a different ethnic background.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Man is destroyed from within.

The New Yorker

Man is not destroyed from the exterior.

The New Yorker

I was pretty destroyed from that.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"What was destroyed was destroyed from the battle".

The New York Times

Aren't I nearly destroyed from the fags myself.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing destruction or removal, prioritize verbs like "eliminate", "remove", or "eradicate" with appropriate prepositions (e.g. "eliminate from", "remove from the list"). This provides greater clarity and grammatical accuracy than using "destroy from".

Common error

Avoid using "destroy from" to indicate cause or origin. Instead of saying "The city was destroyed from the earthquake", use "destroyed by the earthquake" or "destroyed as a result of the earthquake" to clearly convey the causal relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "destroy from" functions as a verb phrase, attempting to describe an action of destruction originating from a specific source or location. Ludwig AI, however, identifies it as not correct, suggesting that the grammatical structure is weak and often requires rephrasing for clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "destroy from" is flagged by Ludwig AI as grammatically questionable and not conveying a clear meaning in written English. While it appears in some contexts, including news and general writing, its usage is infrequent and often replaceable with more precise alternatives like "destroy by", "remove from", or "eliminate from". When writing, it's advisable to avoid "destroy from" and prioritize grammatically sound alternatives to ensure clarity and accuracy. While some authoritative sources use it, its inconsistent usage and potential for misinterpretation make it a less desirable choice for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eliminate from

Focuses on complete removal, implying a systematic and thorough eradication.

eradicate from

Suggests a more thorough and permanent form of removal, often used for abstract concepts or widespread issues.

remove from

A general term for taking something away, suitable for physical objects or abstract concepts.

obliterate from

Suggests completely wiping something out, leaving no trace.

wipe out from

Implies a sudden and complete destruction or elimination.

extract from

Implies carefully taking something out, often from a larger entity or context.

expunge from

Suggests erasing or deleting something, often from a record or memory.

demolish from

Implies a violent or forceful destruction of something, often a physical structure.

excise from

Means to cut out or remove something carefully and precisely.

raze from

Means to completely destroy a building, town, or area to the ground.

FAQs

Is "destroy from" grammatically correct?

While sometimes encountered, "destroy from" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use alternatives like "destroy by" or rephrase the sentence for clarity.

What are some alternatives to "destroy from"?

Depending on the intended meaning, consider using phrases like "remove from", "eliminate from", or "eradicate from". These provide greater clarity and grammatical accuracy.

How can I avoid misusing "destroy from" in my writing?

Focus on using accurate prepositions with "destroy". If you mean to indicate the cause of destruction, use "destroy by". If you mean to take something away from a location, use phrases like "remove from".

When is it acceptable to use "destroy from"?

While its usage is rare and often grammatically questionable, it may appear in specific contexts where the emphasis is on the source or origin of destruction. However, clearer alternatives are usually preferable. Always consider replacing it with a more precise phrase.