it obliterated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it obliterated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has completely destroyed or erased another thing, often in a dramatic or impactful context. Example: "The storm was so powerful that it obliterated the small town, leaving nothing but debris in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The avalanche of mud, trees and rock that swept through the location after heavy rains on 22 March was so powerful it obliterated homes and vehicles and transformed the landscape.

The Guardian

It obliterated a third of New England's towns, pulverized its economy, and claimed ten per cent of the adult male population.

The New Yorker

Has it obliterated it?

The Economist

Like the iPod, it obliterated cultural boundaries.

The New York Times

It obliterated lives and upset the entire composition of societies.

The Guardian

February didn't break climate change records – it obliterated them.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

She does not want it completely obliterated.

The New York Times

It closed airports, obliterated flight schedules and stranded thousands of travelers.

The New York Times

Snyder is certainly aware of all this, and thinks that his account explains it: "Where Germans obliterated conventional states, or annihilated Soviet institutions that had just destroyed conventional states, they created the abyss where racism and politics pulled together towards nothingness".

The New Yorker

Using your knife, you crushed what you could onto the back of your fork, one item after the other, your starches (like that perennial favorite chips and mash), your green-gray veg, a modest protein, calculatedly overcooked, unless it was fish, in which case it was just outright obliterated, and then — bang! — into the mouth, fork upside down.

The New Yorker

The city is absolutely obliterated, yet it's the most lively city in Rojava.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it obliterated" to vividly depict the complete destruction or erasure of something, adding dramatic impact to your writing. For example, "The tsunami was so powerful that "it obliterated" the coastline."

Common error

Avoid using "it obliterated" in contexts that require a more neutral or less dramatic tone. Opt for alternatives like "it covered" or "it hid" if the situation doesn't involve significant destruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it obliterated" functions as a verb phrase, with "it" acting as the subject and "obliterated" as the verb. It describes a complete and often forceful act of destruction or erasure, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it obliterated" is a grammatically correct and impactful way to describe the complete destruction or erasure of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While effective in conveying a strong sense of destruction, careful consideration should be given to the tone and formality of the writing. Alternatives such as "it annihilated" or "it erased" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it annihilated

Emphasizes complete destruction to the point of non-existence.

it erased

Focuses on the complete removal of something, leaving no trace.

it wiped out

Suggests a thorough removal, like cleaning something completely.

it eradicated

Focuses on eliminating something completely, often used for problems or diseases.

it demolished

Implies a forceful destruction, reducing something to ruins.

it leveled

Implies flattening or reducing something to the same level as the ground.

it devastated

Highlights the widespread damage and emotional impact of the destruction.

it extinguished

Suggests bringing something to an end, often used metaphorically for hopes or dreams.

it consumed

Emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the destruction, as if something was devoured.

it dissolved

Focuses on breaking down or disintegrating something completely.

FAQs

How can I use "it obliterated" in a sentence?

Use "it obliterated" to describe the complete destruction or erasure of something. For example, "The fire was so intense that "it obliterated" the entire forest".

What are some alternatives to "it obliterated"?

You can use alternatives such as "it annihilated", "it wiped out", or "it erased", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it obliterated" too strong for formal writing?

While "it obliterated" can be effective, consider your audience. In some formal contexts, a less dramatic term like "it destroyed" or "it removed" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "it obliterated" and "it damaged"?

"It damaged" suggests harm or impairment, while "it obliterated" implies complete destruction or erasure. For example, a storm might damage a building, but a powerful explosion could obliterate it.