must be destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

"must be destroyed" is a correct and usable sentence construction in written English.
It is often used to express a strong obligation or necessity for something to be destroyed. Example: "The contaminated food must be destroyed to prevent further spread of the bacteria."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It must be destroyed.

The New Yorker

Islam must be destroyed.

The Guardian - Tech

"Everything must be destroyed!" Cilins said.

The New Yorker

The ripening poppies must be destroyed.

The New York Times

The engines must be destroyed.

The New York Times

Pathogenic bacteria must be destroyed.

Britannica

They must be destroyed after 14 days.

The Guardian

After that, the embryos must be destroyed.

The Guardian

Cats must be destroyed; cats should be saved.

The New Yorker

In order to get stem cells, embryos must be destroyed.

The New York Times - Health

Domestic communications containing none of the above must be destroyed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "must be destroyed" to convey a sense of urgency and inevitability regarding the elimination of something detrimental or unwanted. Ensure the context clearly indicates what necessitates such drastic action.

Common error

Avoid using "must be destroyed" when a less forceful term like "should be removed" or "needs to be replaced" would suffice. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be destroyed" functions as a passive construction indicating a strong necessity or obligation for something to undergo destruction. It emphasizes the requirement that an entity or object be acted upon, rather than performing an action itself, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

15%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be destroyed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction expressing a strong necessity for something to be eliminated. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. While it conveys a sense of urgency, avoid overusing it in less serious situations. Consider alternatives like "needs to be eradicated" or "should be terminated" for milder tones. Its high frequency across reputable sources underscores its validity and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be eradicated

Emphasizes complete removal, often implying a harmful element.

has to be eliminated

Indicates a strong requirement for removal, focusing on efficiency.

should be terminated

Suggests a formal ending, often used in organizational or procedural contexts.

ought to be abolished

Implies a need to formally end a system, practice, or institution.

requires demolition

Specifically indicates the need to tear down a structure.

demands to be dismantled

Highlights the necessity to take something apart systematically.

calls for obliteration

Suggests a forceful and complete wiping out.

warrants destruction

Indicates that something's condition justifies being wrecked.

is crucial to eliminate

Highlights necessity of elimination.

necessitates disposal

Indicates that something requires safe and proper removal.

FAQs

How do I use "must be destroyed" in a sentence?

Use "must be destroyed" when you want to emphasize that something needs to be eliminated or terminated. For example, "The evidence "must be destroyed" to protect the innocent."

What are some alternatives to "must be destroyed"?

You can use alternatives like "needs to be eradicated", "has to be eliminated", or "should be terminated" depending on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "must be destroyed"?

It is appropriate when something poses a significant threat or is inherently undesirable and requires immediate and complete elimination. Situations involving dangerous materials, threats to security, or unethical practices often warrant this phrase.

Is "must be destroyed" too strong of a phrase to use in general writing?

While grammatically correct, "must be destroyed" carries a very strong connotation. Consider your audience and purpose. If a milder term such as "should be removed" or "needs to be addressed" is more appropriate, opt for it to maintain a balanced tone.