it was destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was destroyed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been completely ruined or eliminated in the past. Example: "The old building was in disrepair for years, and finally, it was destroyed by the fire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was destroyed, too.

The New York Times

It was destroyed in the attack.

Independent

It was destroyed in Erbil".

The New York Times - Magazine

It was destroyed during the 1938 hurricane.

The New York Times

It was destroyed by his wife Clementine.

The Guardian

It was destroyed by bomb-squad technicians.

The New York Times

It was destroyed by fire in 1967.

The Guardian - Film

(It was destroyed early this month by NATO airstrikes).

The New York Times - Books

It was destroyed by the Chinese army in 1959.

Independent

"There was a lot of contact until it was destroyed.

The New York Times

It was destroyed in 1987 in neo-Classical revenge.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was destroyed", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, preventing ambiguity. For instance, specify "the building was destroyed" instead of relying on vague pronouns.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "it was destroyed" if the active agent is known and relevant. Active voice often creates more engaging and direct writing; consider replacing it with an active sentence such as "The fire destroyed it."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was destroyed" functions as a passive construction. It indicates that the subject (represented by "it") underwent an action, specifically being destroyed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was destroyed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction employed to describe a past event involving ruin or elimination. Ludwig AI confirms this. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding what "it" refers to and be mindful of the potential for overuse of passive voice, opting for active voice when appropriate. Alternative phrases like "it was obliterated" or "it was demolished" can add nuance or emphasis depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was obliterated

Emphasizes complete removal or disappearance. Differs in intensity and imagery.

it was demolished

Suggests deliberate destruction, often of a structure. Implies a planned act.

it was ruined

Indicates damage that impairs function or value. Broadest term for negative impact.

it was devastated

Highlights the emotional impact of the destruction. Focuses on the aftermath.

it was annihilated

Stresses total destruction, often on a large scale. More forceful than "destroyed".

it was wrecked

Implies violent damage, often involving vehicles or structures. More specific context.

it was shattered

Suggests breaking into many pieces, physically or metaphorically. Adds vivid imagery.

it was wiped out

Indicates complete elimination, often quickly and decisively. Colloquial tone.

it was consumed

Implies destruction by fire or a similar process. Offers a specific cause.

it was eradicated

Suggests complete removal, often of something undesirable. Formal and precise.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it was destroyed"?

You can use alternatives like "it was obliterated", "it was demolished", or "it was ruined" depending on the context.

Is "it was destroyed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was destroyed" is grammatically correct. It's a passive construction indicating that something (represented by "it") underwent the action of being destroyed.

How to use "it was destroyed" in a sentence?

Use "it was destroyed" to describe a past event where something has been ruined or eliminated. For example, "The library was damaged, and a large portion of "it was destroyed" by the flood."

What's the difference between "it was destroyed" and "it destroyed"?

"It was destroyed" is passive, meaning something happened to "it". "It destroyed" is active, meaning "it" caused destruction. For instance, "The fire was accidental, and "it was destroyed" by the fire" versus "The fire destroyed everything in its path".