destructive stuff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "destructive stuff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to harmful or damaging things, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense. Example: "The storm caused a lot of destructive stuff in the neighborhood, leaving many homes damaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The pointlessly destructive stuff?

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The rest of the story is fast becoming the stuff of destructive computing legend.

Forbes

Caravaggio's anarchistic tribute to the destructive power of desire – the stuff of civilisation lies defeated at Cupid's feet – is eternally worrying.

The Guardian - Arts

Having wrestled bears, real fucking bears, in the mountains of Dagestan since the age of four, his destructive grappling ability is the stuff of legend.

Vice

In the subsequent decade and a half, Heemeyer's destructive drive has become the stuff of legend, with a few even heralding the guy as a folk hero who took on city hall or something, regardless of the fact that he was, as AV Club points out, a crazed, domestic terrorist.

Vice

Destructive, erotically confused kids have been the stuff of compelling theatrical potboilers at least since Lillian Hellman wrote "The Children's Hour" eight decades ago.

The New York Times

The poems feel like products of a world that is on the one hand terribly destructive, and on the other has become so full with stuff, and stuff we can buy.

The New Yorker

Lake's own two breezy bangers feel as expensive and destructive as a trip to Ibiza, where this sort of stuff has filled out late-night Jamie Jones sets for accounts managers on holiday since time immemorial.

Vice

Low barriers to entry for the business, along with naturally low repeat rates, creates a destructive formula for rapidly increasing acquisition costs as channels get stuffed (Google and Lending Tree stock charts illustrate this nicely).

TechCrunch

She survived childhood abuse at the hands of her father -- people always want to talk about the sexual stuff," she says, "but to be honest, what was most destructive to me was the violence" -- then bottomed out after college.

The New York Times - Magazine

Kirchner's troubles are the stuff of cliche: the artist as tragic and self-destructive hero, the artist as outsider, or as tortured genius.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "destructive stuff", consider the context and whether a more specific term would provide greater clarity. For example, instead of "the destructive stuff left by the flood", you might say "the debris and contaminants left by the flood".

Common error

While "destructive stuff" is understandable, it can sound informal or vague in professional or academic writing. Opt for stronger, more precise language, such as "detrimental effects" or "damaging elements", to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "destructive stuff" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "destructive" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "stuff". According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it referring to tangible items or abstract concepts that cause harm.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "destructive stuff" is a grammatically correct way to refer to harmful or damaging things, though it leans towards informal usage. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. While its frequency is rare, mainly appearing in News & Media, it effectively communicates the presence of elements causing destruction or harm. For formal writing, more precise alternatives like "detrimental aspects" or "adverse effects" are preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harmful material

Replaces "destructive" with "harmful" and "stuff" with "material", focusing on the damaging nature of tangible items.

damaging content

Substitutes "destructive" with "damaging" and "stuff" with "content", highlighting the harmful nature of information or media.

ruinous elements

Uses more formal vocabulary, replacing "destructive" with "ruinous" and "stuff" with "elements", emphasizing the catastrophic impact.

devastating factors

Replaces "destructive" with "devastating" and "stuff" with "factors", focusing on elements that cause significant damage or destruction.

detrimental aspects

Substitutes "destructive" with "detrimental" and "stuff" with "aspects", indicating harmful or unfavorable characteristics.

pernicious influences

Uses "pernicious" to emphasize the subtly harmful nature, replacing "stuff" with "influences" to denote effects on someone or something.

injurious components

Replaces "destructive" with "injurious" and "stuff" with "components", suggesting elements that cause injury or harm.

adverse effects

Focuses on the outcome, replacing "destructive stuff" with the more general term "adverse effects".

negative consequences

Highlights the results of destructive actions or things, using "negative consequences" as a broader term.

harmful actions

Replaces "destructive stuff" with "harmful actions", emphasizing the activities that cause damage.

FAQs

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

You can use "destructive stuff" to refer to harmful or damaging things. For example, "The hurricane left a lot of "destructive stuff" in its wake".

What can I say instead of "destructive stuff"?

You can use alternatives like "harmful material", "damaging content", or "ruinous elements" depending on the context.

Is "destructive stuff" appropriate for formal writing?

While understandable, "destructive stuff" may be too informal for academic or professional contexts. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "detrimental aspects" or "adverse effects".

What kind of damage is typically referred to as "destructive stuff"?

"Destructive stuff" can refer to a wide range of damage, from physical debris after a disaster to harmful content online. The vagueness of the phrase makes it suitable for general descriptions, but specificity is often preferred for clarity.