in ruins

USAGE SUMMARY

"in ruins" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is greatly damaged or destroyed, or when you're talking about the remains of a building or structure that used to exist in the past. Example: "The ancient city was left in ruins after the long war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still in ruins.

The New Yorker

Cities lie in ruins.

The New York Times

"It was in ruins".

The New York Times

"The country is in ruins.

The New York Times

The infrastructure was in ruins.

The New York Times

The Army was in ruins.

The New Yorker

He left it in ruins.

The New York Times - Sports

"My life is in ruins.

The New York Times - Magazine

The economy is in ruins.

The Economist

The place is in ruins.

The Economist

There is beauty in ruins.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in ruins" to vividly describe physical destruction (cities, buildings) or metaphorical collapse (careers, relationships). It emphasizes a severe state of damage and disrepair.

Common error

Avoid using "in ruins" for minor damage or setbacks. The phrase carries a strong connotation of devastation and should be reserved for situations of significant destruction or failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in ruins" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the state or condition of something. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in ruins" is a prepositional phrase used to describe something severely damaged or destroyed, whether physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a wide range of contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, and less common in academic or formal business settings. When using the phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations involving significant destruction to avoid overstatement. For situations with minor damage, consider alternative phrases like "in disrepair". Top authoritative sources include The New York Times, The New Yorker and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obliterated

Suggests complete and utter destruction, leaving no trace behind.

destroyed

A more general term for something that has been completely broken or eliminated.

in shambles

Suggests a state of complete disorder and disorganization, often after a failure or collapse.

devastated

Describes a state of extreme destruction or emotional distress, emphasizing the severity of the damage.

in tatters

Describes something torn or fragmented, suggesting a loss of integrity or wholeness.

shattered

Implies a forceful breaking or destruction, often with emotional or metaphorical connotations.

in disrepair

Focuses on the condition of being damaged or neglected, implying a need for repair or restoration.

decayed

Focuses on the process of rotting or decomposing, suggesting a gradual decline.

desolate

Emphasizes the emptiness and abandonment of a place, often after a disaster or conflict.

failed

Highlights the lack of success or achievement, often referring to systems, plans or efforts that have not worked.

FAQs

How can I use "in ruins" in a sentence?

You can use "in ruins" to describe physical places, like "The city was "left in ruins" after the earthquake", or abstract concepts, such as "His career was "in ruins" after the scandal".

What is a good substitute for "in ruins"?

Depending on the context, you can use substitutes such as "devastated", "in shambles", or "destroyed".

Is it more appropriate to use "in ruins" or "in disrepair"?

"In ruins" suggests a more significant level of destruction, while "in disrepair" implies neglect and a need for repairs. Choose based on the extent of the damage.

Can "in ruins" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "in ruins" can be used metaphorically to describe situations involving the complete failure or collapse of something, such as a plan, a relationship, or a career.