in order to destroy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in order to destroy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when explaining the purpose or intention behind an action that leads to destruction. Example: "The villain devised a plan in order to destroy the hero's reputation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Had Eddington befriended Chandra in order to destroy him?

The Guardian

Not in order to destroy incriminating evidence; the poor fellow was hungry.

The New Yorker

In order to destroy Giardia cysts, the drinking water must be at least 68 F (20 C).

Princeton University

"Islam came in order to destroy these palaces of tyranny," the ayatollah inveighed from his exile in Iraq.

The New York Times

There are two important points that should be quashed quickly in order to destroy any possible defense of Timothy Geithner.

The Guardian - Opinion

Protesters seized the Embassy and took the American diplomats hostage in order to destroy any hope of further dialogue.

The New Yorker

Without ever explicitly positioning Margaret for our pity, Brown reveals how we elevate in order to destroy.

The New York Times - Books

But in the early 1980s Mugabe ordered a campaign of violence in order to destroy the Zapu party.

The Guardian - Opinion

We've seized additional key bridges over the Euphrates River, and conducted offensive operations to isolate Samarra and Nasiriya in order to destroy irregular forces in those areas.

The New York Times

Soon after Neville Chamberlain's declaration of war in September 1939, MI6 began overtures to anti-Nazis in the German army in order to destroy the Nazis from within.

The Guardian

"We could get metallic nanoparticles equipped with monoclonal antibodies to identify, gather and take stem cells out of the peripheral blood circulation system in order to destroy them".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in order to destroy" to clearly state the intention behind a destructive action. This phrase adds a layer of purpose and deliberation to the act.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "in order to destroy" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "to eliminate" or "to ruin" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in order to destroy" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It modifies a verb or clause by explaining the reason or intention behind an action that results in destruction. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in order to destroy" serves as a purpose connector, clarifying the intent behind an action aimed at causing damage or ruin. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage make it suitable for various contexts, especially news and media. While leaning towards a neutral or formal register, it's important to consider simpler alternatives like "to eliminate" in informal settings. Understanding the communicative purpose and appropriate contexts ensures effective and precise communication when describing acts of destruction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to eliminate

Suggests removal, which is less intense than destruction.

so as to ruin

Focuses on the negative outcome of destruction.

to annihilate

More forceful and direct, implies complete obliteration.

intending to wreck

Less formal, emphasizing the act of causing damage.

for the purpose of demolition

More formal and specific to physical destruction.

with a view to eradicate

Formal and suggests a systematic effort to eliminate something.

with the aim of obliterating

Formal and emphasizes the intent to completely remove something.

to sabotage

Implies undermining something, often secretly.

to dismantle

Implies taking something apart, rather than total destruction.

to undermine

Suggests weakening something gradually, rather than immediate destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "in order to destroy" in a sentence?

You can use "in order to destroy" to express the purpose of an action aimed at causing destruction. For example, "The virus was designed "in order to destroy" the computer system".

What are some alternatives to "in order to destroy"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to eliminate", "to ruin", or "so as to demolish", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in order to destroy" formal or informal?

"In order to destroy" leans towards a more formal register, suitable for professional writing or situations where a deliberate and purposeful tone is needed. In very casual conversations, other options might be preferable.

What is the difference between "in order to destroy" and "to demolish"?

"In order to destroy" explicitly states the purpose, while "to demolish" simply describes the action. The former is more descriptive of intent.