destroyed by flames

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "destroyed by flames" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been completely consumed or ruined by fire. Example: "The old warehouse was completely destroyed by flames during the fire last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Some of the archives were destroyed by flames.

The New York Times

Two days later, 19 firefighters were killed and half of Yarnell was destroyed by flames.

The New York Times

As night fell, the gray Nissan was found, destroyed by flames, at the side of a dirt road in a snowy, wooded area near Big Bear, a ski resort about 100 miles from downtown Los Angeles.

The New York Times

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited a Volga village where all 341 homes were destroyed by flames.

BBC

Six vacant structures were destroyed by flames.

Los Angeles Times

And photographs, including the Polaroid 'mugshots' which were almost all destroyed by flames, along with some fifty canvases.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Even when she was seemingly destroyed by fire, the flame transformed her carnivorous essence from cannibal to mosquito, and thus she continues to plague the people to this day.

Johns Hopkins University

Three buildings on Bolivar Peninsula, in Texas, were destroyed by fire as Hurricane Harvey whipped up the flames.

BBC

After flames damaged Notre Dame and the world vowed to rebuild, calls rang out to support fundraising for three black churches destroyed by fire in Louisiana.

Los Angeles Times

Many of more than 400 homes destroyed by the flames belonged to his employees.

The New York Times

The church, First United Methodist, built in 1893, was largely destroyed by the flames, which were reported shortly before 3 a.m.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene where fire has caused significant damage, use "destroyed by flames" to clearly convey the extent of the destruction.

Common error

Avoid using "destroyed by flames" in overly dramatic or sensationalized contexts. Opt for more nuanced descriptions when the situation doesn't warrant such a strong term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "destroyed by flames" functions as a passive voice construction describing the state of something after being consumed by fire. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "destroyed by flames" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe something that has been completely ruined by fire, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is frequently used in news and media contexts to convey the extent of damage caused by fires. While versatile, it's best used when complete destruction is accurate and should be avoided in overly sensationalized situations. Related phrases include "consumed by fire" and "burned to the ground". As Ludwig AI tells us, the phrase it's usable and correct in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumed by fire

Focuses on the act of burning rather than the result of destruction.

burned to the ground

Emphasizes the completeness of the destruction by fire.

razed by fire

Implies a leveling or complete demolition due to fire.

incinerated

Highlights the process of burning something to ashes.

engulfed in flames

Describes the surrounding nature of the fire, leading to destruction.

obliterated by fire

Suggests a complete wiping out or removal due to fire.

reduced to ashes

Focuses on the final state of being completely burned.

demolished by fire

Highlights the destructive impact of fire on a structure.

firestormed

Emphasizes a situation where a fire became a firestorm which result is the destruction.

burnt to a crisp

Implies a thorough and complete burning, often used informally.

FAQs

How can I use "destroyed by flames" in a sentence?

You can use "destroyed by flames" to describe something that has been completely consumed or ruined by fire. For example, "The old warehouse was completely "destroyed by flames" during the fire last night."

What are some alternatives to "destroyed by flames"?

Alternatives include "consumed by fire", "burned to the ground", or "razed by fire", depending on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate: "destroyed by flames" or "damaged by fire"?

"Destroyed by flames" implies complete destruction, while "damaged by fire" suggests that the object or structure still exists, albeit in a compromised state. Choose based on the actual extent of the damage.

Is "destroyed by flames" formal or informal?

"Destroyed by flames" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is frequently found in news reports and factual accounts.