it was obliterated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was obliterated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been completely destroyed or erased, often in a dramatic or emphatic context. Example: "After the explosion, the building was so damaged that it was obliterated, leaving nothing but rubble behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It was obliterated by Hurricane Katrina.

The New Yorker

It was obliterated in 1402 by the Mongol Timur (Tamerlane).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Onagawa was already in decline when it was obliterated in 2011 by the Tohoku tsunami.

The Guardian

It was obliterated during the Avellino event, an eruption that took place about 3,780 years ago, during the Bronze Age.

The Economist

It was obliterated inside 45 minutes as Liverpool swarmed to the Premier League summit for the first time since May 2014 with the kind of performance that suggests they might enjoy the view for a good while yet.

The Guardian - Sport

It will be highly symbolic – the first time a serving American president has been to the Japanese city since it was obliterated in August 1945.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

However, the pull of the remoter stars is so slight that it is obliterated by the vaster pull of the moon and the sun.

The New Yorker

It is obliterated at curtain time by an even louder, more irritating cannonade of percussion devised by the composer and sound designer Fitz Patton.

The New York Times

It's obliterated in a fiery explosion — a clip, from the wretched "V for Vendetta," turned golden through the alchemy of remixing.

The New Yorker

At one point I run to hide behind a truck, just as it's obliterated by a rocket, a severed door zooms past my head.

The Guardian - Tech

"The world is so big, how can it be obliterated?" he asks at 5, establishing a pattern that will extend throughout the book (and partly justify the ham-handed title).

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was obliterated" when you want to emphasize the completeness and finality of destruction or erasure. This phrase carries a strong sense of impact and is suitable for dramatic or significant events.

Common error

Avoid using "it was obliterated" in situations where the destruction or removal is minor or insignificant. The phrase is best reserved for situations that warrant a strong, impactful description, such as a town destroyed by a hurricane or a record completely erased from existence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was obliterated" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something (the 'it') underwent a complete destruction. The subject receives the action of being completely destroyed, similar to examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was obliterated" is a grammatically correct and impactful way to describe something that has been completely destroyed or erased. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s most commonly found in News & Media contexts, with supporting usages in academic and scientific writing. While the phrase is effective for emphasizing complete destruction, it's best reserved for significant events and should be avoided in everyday contexts where the level of destruction is less severe. Consider alternatives like "it was destroyed" or "it was annihilated" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was destroyed

This alternative is a more general term for complete destruction.

it was annihilated

This alternative suggests a more forceful and complete destruction.

it was eradicated

This alternative implies complete removal, often of something undesirable.

it was wiped out

This alternative conveys a sense of sudden and total destruction.

it was leveled

This alternative suggests destruction that leaves everything at the same height, like a flat plain.

it was decimated

This alternative suggests a severe reduction in number or strength, close to complete destruction.

it was razed

This alternative specifically refers to the complete destruction of a building or structure.

it was consumed

This alternative implies destruction by fire or some other consuming force.

it was extinguished

This alternative suggests the end of something, like a fire or a life.

it was expunged

This alternative refers to the removal of something undesirable completely from a record or memory.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was obliterated" to describe something that has been completely destroyed or erased. For example, "The coastal town was completely defenseless and "it was destroyed" by the tsunami".

What are some alternatives to "it was obliterated"?

Some alternatives to "it was obliterated" include "it was destroyed", "it was annihilated", or "it was wiped out", each carrying slightly different nuances of destruction.

Is "it was obliterated" formal or informal?

"It was obliterated" is generally considered neutral in tone but can lean towards formal depending on the context. It's suitable for news reporting, academic writing, and other situations where a strong, descriptive term is needed.

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

"It was obliterated" implies complete destruction or erasure, whereas "it was damaged" suggests that something is harmed but not necessarily destroyed. Obliteration is a far more extreme state than damage.