reduced to ashes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduced to ashes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been completely destroyed by fire or metaphorically to indicate total destruction or loss. Example: "After the wildfire swept through the forest, the once lush landscape was reduced to ashes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Note all books reduced to ashes".

The New York Times - Arts

The Temple, Herod's greatest achievement, was reduced to ashes.

Britannica

Drone images showed entire neighbourhoods reduced to ashes.

The Guardian

The French team has been reduced to ashes".

The Guardian - Sport

Hundred and two villages were reduced to ashes.

The Economist

The places where their houses stood cannot be recognized; all their dwellings are reduced to ashes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Many were reduced to ash.

The Economist

Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash and rubble.

The Guardian

Her town had been reduced to ash and rubble.

The Washington Post

When documents were burned, "the waste should be reduced to ash and the ashes broken up".

The Guardian

Hameed, a refugee who had seen his home reduced to ash, shook my hand.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reduced to ashes" to vividly depict total destruction by fire or to metaphorically describe the complete ruin of something intangible like a plan or reputation. This phrase adds a dramatic and final tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "reduced to ashes" in technical or scientific writing where precise language is crucial. Opt for more specific terms that accurately describe the process or outcome, such as "incinerated" or "decomposed" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduced to ashes" functions primarily as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of a noun after undergoing a destructive process, often involving fire. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, providing ample examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reduced to ashes" is a powerful and evocative way to describe complete destruction, primarily through fire, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Grammatically correct and frequently used, it serves to emphasize total loss in various contexts, ranging from literal descriptions of burned structures to metaphorical representations of ruined hopes or plans. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to slightly dramatic registers, and overuse in technical writing should be avoided. As demonstrated by examples from news outlets like The New York Times and academic sources, this phrase remains a potent tool for conveying finality and devastation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burned to the ground

Emphasizes the act of burning as the cause of destruction, focusing on physical fire and its impact.

razed to the ground

Highlights the leveling of structures, emphasizing the complete demolition of buildings or areas.

utterly destroyed

Indicates a complete state of ruin, without necessarily specifying the cause of destruction.

consumed by flames

Focuses on the engulfing action of fire, accentuating the intensity and destructive power of the flames.

completely annihilated

Conveys a sense of total obliteration, applicable to both physical and abstract entities.

turned to dust

Suggests a gradual decay and disintegration, implying a loss of structure and substance.

obliterated

Implies a forceful and complete removal, often used in contexts of conflict or erasure.

left in ruins

Describes a state of wreckage and desolation, emphasizing the aftermath of a destructive event.

demolished

Implies the act of tearing down or wrecking something, often referring to buildings or structures.

wiped off the map

Suggests the complete removal of a place or entity, indicating its non-existence or irrelevance.

FAQs

How can I use "reduced to ashes" in a sentence?

You can use "reduced to ashes" to describe something literally destroyed by fire, such as "The building was "reduced to ashes" after the blaze". You can also use it metaphorically, for example, "His hopes were "reduced to ashes" after the company went bankrupt".

What are some alternatives to "reduced to ashes"?

Alternatives include "burned to the ground", "utterly destroyed", or "completely annihilated" depending on the context and the desired level of intensity.

Is it appropriate to use "reduced to ashes" in formal writing?

While "reduced to ashes" is grammatically correct, it might be too dramatic for some formal contexts. Consider the tone and audience. More neutral phrases like "destroyed" or "eliminated" may be more suitable in formal or technical writing.

What's the difference between "reduced to ashes" and "turned to dust"?

"Reduced to ashes" typically implies a rapid and fiery destruction, whereas "turned to dust" suggests a slower process of decay and disintegration. "Reduced to ashes" conveys a sense of finality and devastation caused by fire, whereas "turned to dust" implies age or neglect.