extensive destruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extensive destruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or widespread level of damage or ruin caused by an event or action. Example: "The hurricane resulted in extensive destruction of homes and infrastructure along the coast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There may be extensive destruction, ulcers, and abscesses.

Britannica

Amateur video uploaded on YouTube showed extensive destruction.

The New York Times

As a result, AF ablation is empiric and results in extensive destruction of the atrium.

Stanford University

The resultant flooding caused extensive destruction and at least five deaths.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those key issues are the disproportionate use of force, the excessive use of force and the extensive destruction of property.

The Guardian

*Why Boeing engineers discounted predictions of extensive destruction of the tiles by the computer program specifically designed to assess damage from debris impacts.

The New York Times

Not only that: Mao also precipitated the biggest demolition of real estate, the most extensive destruction of the environment, and the biggest waste of manpower in history.

The New Yorker

Mount Api, one of the island group, is an active volcano 2,200 feet (670 metres) in elevation; it caused extensive destruction in 1820 and 1852.

Britannica

Mobile phone footage circulated on social media showed charred bodies and extensive destruction in the Bayaa neighbourhood of the Iraqi capital.

The Guardian

Mary Comerio, a professor of architecture at the University of California, Berkeley, said the earlier quake might have contributed to the extensive destruction on Tuesday.

The New York Times

It is a progressive and debilitating condition characterized by joint dislocation, pathologic fracture(s), and extensive destruction of the foot or ankle architecture secondary to dense peripheral neuropathy.

Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extensive destruction" to describe situations where the damage is not only significant but also affects a wide area or a large number of entities. Be specific about what was destroyed to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "extensive destruction" in contexts that are only mildly destructive. Reserve it for situations with genuinely widespread and severe damage to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extensive destruction" functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies the noun "destruction". It describes the scale or degree of damage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extensive destruction" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to describe significant and widespread damage. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English. Its frequency is high across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, consider the context and ensure that the level of destruction genuinely warrants its use. Alternatives like ""widespread devastation"" or "severe damage" may be suitable depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread devastation

Emphasizes the broad impact and ruinous nature of the damage.

severe damage

Indicates a high degree of impairment or harm.

massive demolition

Focuses on the act of tearing down or obliterating structures.

total annihilation

Suggests complete obliteration or eradication.

wholesale ruin

Highlights the complete and widespread collapse or decay.

major wreckage

Implies scattered remains after a destructive event.

significant impairment

Highlights a notable reduction in functionality or condition.

substantial dilapidation

Focuses on the state of disrepair and decay after damage.

large-scale obliteration

Emphasizes the complete removal or destruction on a grand scale.

considerable impairment

Indicates a significant weakening or damaging of something.

FAQs

How to use "extensive destruction" in a sentence?

Use "extensive destruction" to describe situations where damage is widespread and significant. For instance, "The earthquake caused "widespread devastation" and resulted in "extensive destruction" of infrastructure."

What can I say instead of "extensive destruction"?

You can use alternatives like ""widespread devastation"", "severe damage", or "massive demolition", depending on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Which is correct, "extensive destruction" or "intensive destruction"?

"Extensive destruction" is correct, referring to widespread damage. "Intensive destruction" is less common; while understandable, it might be better to rephrase for clarity. You could consider "focused destruction" if the destruction is concentrated.

What's the difference between "extensive destruction" and "considerable damage"?

"Extensive destruction" implies a broader scope and greater severity of damage than "considerable damage". "Extensive" suggests the damage affects a large area or many things, while "considerable" simply means the damage is significant.