destructive force

USAGE SUMMARY

"destructive force" is a valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that causes destruction or harm. For example: "The hurricane was a destructive force that left a path of destruction in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The other great destructive force?

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Savimbi was a powerfully destructive force.

The New York Times

The most destructive force is crime.

The New York Times - Travel

Both are working with creative, rather than destructive, force.

The New York Times

Perhaps you have experienced this destructive force yourself.

The New York Times

How can groupthink be labeled as a destructive force?

The New York Times

Roy Hattersley calls him "an entirely destructive force".

The Guardian - Opinion

An in-form Knight is a destructive force.

The Guardian - Sport

Its belief in globalisation blinded it to its destructive force.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pin-point accuracy, or massive and destructive force?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I believe it's a very destructive force in any work.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "destructive force", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being destroyed and what is causing the destruction. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "destructive force" in situations where the impact is minor or merely inconvenient. Reserve it for contexts involving significant damage or devastation to maintain its intended gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "destructive force" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It labels something that causes destruction or harm, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "destructive force" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe something that causes significant damage or harm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous real-world examples across various contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications. While it's appropriate for formal and informal settings, it's important to reserve it for situations involving substantial destruction to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "damaging influence" or "devastating effect" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ravaging power

Emphasizes the capacity to cause widespread destruction or devastation.

devastating effect

Implies a severe and overwhelming negative impact, often with emotional or widespread consequences.

ruinous power

Indicates the capacity to bring about complete destruction or downfall.

damaging influence

Focuses more on the impact of causing damage to something, either physically or metaphorically.

detrimental impact

Similar to harmful effect but suggests a more lasting or significant negative consequence.

negative impact

Describes an adverse effect or result, often in a more general or indirect way.

harmful effect

Highlights the detrimental outcome or consequence of something.

malignant influence

Implies a harmful and insidious effect, often with a sense of pervasiveness and resistance to change.

corrosive element

Suggests a gradual but destructive influence that erodes or weakens something over time.

crippling blow

Refers to an action or event that severely weakens or incapacitates something.

FAQs

How can I use "destructive force" in a sentence?

You can use "destructive force" to describe anything that causes significant damage or harm. For example, "The hurricane's storm surge was a "destructive force" that flooded coastal communities".

What are some synonyms for "destructive force"?

Alternatives to "destructive force" include "damaging influence", "harmful effect", or "devastating effect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "destructive force" in a formal context?

Yes, "destructive force" is appropriate for formal contexts when accurately describing something that causes significant damage or harm. Its use is common in news reports, scientific analyses, and formal discussions.

What's the difference between "destructive force" and "negative impact"?

"Destructive force" implies a direct and often powerful action that causes damage, whereas "negative impact" is a broader term that can refer to any adverse effect, whether direct or indirect.