destructive passion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "destructive passion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense emotion or desire that leads to negative or harmful outcomes. Example: "Her destructive passion for perfectionism often left her feeling exhausted and unfulfilled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

According to Cassel, it was "a terrible, destructive passion".

The Guardian

With the tender passion of love there was also born the destructive passion of jealousy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Metaphorically, for Smiley, the bear represents a destructive passion too pleasurable to resist.

The New Yorker

The relationships he depicts whether romantic or erotic, creative or familial are equally fraught with destructive passion.

The New Yorker

Not surprisingly, "Anna Karenina" attracted the most musical adaptations, since its theme of ungovernable, destructive passion is the quintessential operatic theme.

The New York Times - Arts

The relationship suggests two very different works about class, alienation, and destructive passion - Jean Genet's The Maids and LP Hartley's The Go-Between.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The revolution was over, the destructive passions were dissipated, and the Party had turned toward a constructive path.

The New Yorker

For going on 20 years, the Conservative party has been regularly convulsed by its destructive passions about Europe, but it has just about stayed together.

The Guardian - Opinion

In order to escape the destructive passions of messianic faith, political theology centered on God was replaced by political philosophy centered on man.

The New York Times - Magazine

One of the more confident predictions that I make about 2013 is that Mr Cameron will be proved wrong about this and he will fail to sate the Tory party's destructive passions about Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although it rivets the attention with its vivid images of a society disordered by unruly, destructive passions, Mr. Goold's "Romeo and Juliet" utterly fails to stir the heart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "destructive passion", ensure that the context clearly illustrates the negative consequences or harm resulting from the intense emotion. Provide specific examples of how this passion manifests and its detrimental effects.

Common error

Avoid using "destructive passion" as a mere cliché. Provide concrete details about the specific emotion and its consequences to give the phrase impact and meaning. For example, instead of saying "his destructive passion led to his downfall," specify what the passion was and how it caused his downfall.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "destructive passion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "destructive" acts as a modifying adjective describing the nature of the noun "passion". Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "destructive passion" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes an intense emotion or desire leading to negative consequences. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is frequently found in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific texts, indicating a formal to neutral register. When employing this phrase, it's essential to provide specific context to emphasize the harmful nature of the described passion and avoid overuse without concrete examples. Alternatives like "consuming obsession" or "harmful desire" can be considered depending on the intended nuance. Remember to illustrate the negative impact resulting from the intense emotion to give the phrase its full meaning and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consuming obsession

This alternative emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the destructive emotion, focusing on its ability to take over one's thoughts and actions.

harmful desire

This alternative is more general, highlighting the detrimental effects of a strong yearning or craving.

damaging infatuation

This alternative specifies the context of a romantic or intense admiration that leads to negative consequences.

self-destructive urge

This alternative places emphasis on the internal impulse driving the destructive behavior, rather than the emotion itself.

corrosive love

This alternative focuses on the damaging impact of a romantic emotion that slowly eats away at well-being.

ruinous fervor

This option highlights the intense and often misguided enthusiasm that leads to downfall or destruction.

detrimental craving

This choice points out the harmful nature of a powerful and insatiable need or desire.

toxic longing

This variation describes the poisonous impact of a persistent and unfulfilled yearning.

vicious infatuation

This alternative indicates an infatuation that is intense, uncontrolled, and potentially harmful.

malignant desire

This alternative denotes a desire that is evil in nature or effect, and is likely to cause harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "destructive passion" to describe an intense emotion or desire that leads to negative or harmful outcomes. For example: "Her "destructive passion" for perfectionism often left her feeling exhausted and unfulfilled."

What are some alternatives to "destructive passion"?

Alternatives include "consuming obsession", "harmful desire", or "damaging infatuation", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it always negative to have a passion?

While passion can be a positive driving force, "destructive passion" refers specifically to cases where the intensity of the emotion leads to harmful or negative results. Not all passions are destructive; it is the consequences that define it.

What's the difference between "destructive passion" and "obsession"?

"Obsession" typically implies a persistent and intrusive thought or idea, whereas "destructive passion" emphasizes the intensity of the emotion and its detrimental impact. An obsession can fuel a "destructive passion", but the latter highlights the harmful consequences.