has been destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

'has been destroyed' is a valid and usable phrase in written English.
Generally speaking, it is used to indicate that something has been completely destroyed or ruined, either physically or figuratively. For example: "Much of the city's infrastructure has been destroyed by the hurricane."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Agriculture has been destroyed.

The New York Times

"My future has been destroyed".

The New Yorker

"Our future has been destroyed by them".

The New York Times

A great deal has been destroyed.

The New Yorker

The newspaper business has been destroyed.

The New Yorker

"The evidence has been destroyed.

The Guardian

Vanya's life has been destroyed.

The Guardian - Film

His army has been destroyed.

The New York Times

The sample has been destroyed.

The Guardian

"My family has been destroyed.

The New York Times

My life has been destroyed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been destroyed" in contexts where you want to emphasize the completeness of the destruction or the irreversible nature of the damage. For example, "The ancient library has been destroyed by the fire."

Common error

Avoid using "has been destroyed" when describing minor damage or easily repairable issues. Instead, opt for words like "damaged", "affected", or "slightly impaired" to maintain accuracy and avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been destroyed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject has undergone complete destruction or ruin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across contexts. Examples in Ludwig show its use in describing the destruction of physical objects, abstract concepts, and even personal lives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been destroyed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction signifying complete ruin or devastation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's deemed appropriate across diverse contexts, encompassing news, academic writing, and formal communication. While alternatives such as ""was ruined"" or ""was obliterated"" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. When employing this phrase, ensure the context warrants the strong implication of irreversible destruction, avoiding its overuse for minor damages. This ensures accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was ruined

Implies damage that severely impairs the original state or function.

was devastated

Suggests widespread destruction causing emotional distress and suffering.

was obliterated

Indicates total destruction, often to the point of being unrecognizable.

was annihilated

Refers to complete obliteration, often implying a sudden and forceful event.

was wiped out

Indicates complete removal or elimination, similar to eradicated but often used for populations or species.

was wrecked

Suggests severe damage, often implying a violent impact or accident.

was eradicated

Emphasizes the complete removal or wiping out of something, often used for abstract concepts or problems.

was demolished

Typically refers to the forceful tearing down of buildings or structures.

was shattered

Indicates that something has been broken into many pieces, often used metaphorically.

was consumed

Suggests destruction by fire or other consuming forces, either literally or figuratively.

FAQs

How can I use "has been destroyed" in a sentence?

You can use "has been destroyed" to describe the complete ruin of something, for example: "The earthquake has been destroyed the city".

What are some alternatives to "has been destroyed"?

Alternatives include "was ruined", "was obliterated", or "was demolished", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "has been destroyed" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been destroyed" is appropriate in formal writing when accurately describing complete destruction or ruin. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong term and is not an overstatement.

What's the difference between "has been damaged" and "has been destroyed"?

"Has been damaged" implies that something is impaired but not necessarily beyond repair, while "has been destroyed" indicates complete ruin or irreparable damage. Using "has been damaged" suggests a possibility of restoration, unlike "has been destroyed".