reduced to cinders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reduced to cinders" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was destroyed or ruined beyond repair. For example, "The factory was reduced to cinders after the fire."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He called an extraordinary cabinet meeting after visiting villages that had been reduced to cinders in the southern Peloponnese.

The Guardian

CALEB CARR ("The Alienist") "Real noir comes in times of stress, the notion that cities could be reduced to cinders.

The New York Times

There was no fire department in Benton in those days; the courthouse was reduced to cinders & rubble.

The New Yorker

These were people who had already been told their homes had been reduced to cinders and twisted scraps of steel and plastic.

The New York Times

Much of Breezy Point, Queens, was not only destroyed by the powerful surge, but some 130 homes were reduced to cinders by a conflagration that firefighters could not reach.

The New York Times

That connection inspired the addition of two annual Flame-Thrower Days, in which targets such as mannequin-soldiers and a cardboard truck, robot, giant spider and an Eiffel Tower are reduced to cinders in seconds, much to the delight of museum-goers.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Bearing in mind the condition of the body we found I don't think any bodies could have been reduced to a cinder".

The Guardian

They said that 360 homes had been reduced to ash and cinder.

The New York Times

I passed a building reduced to a pile of cinder blocks and two charred cars so thoroughly burnt that their undercarriages rested on the pavement.

The New Yorker

In Panama City, Sabrina Fleming is back in business at Peggy Sue's Barber Shop, which had been reduced to a mountain of cinder blocks and wood panels by Michael's winds.

The Washington Post

Nearly half the homes in the Seminole Springs mobile home park off Mulholland Highway have been reduced to a gnarled mess of cinders, metal and rubble.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reduced to cinders" to vividly describe the aftermath of a fire or other destructive event where something is completely burned and left as residue.

Common error

Avoid using "reduced to cinders" in contexts where a literal description is more appropriate. The phrase is figurative and best suited for dramatic or descriptive writing, not technical reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduced to cinders" functions as a descriptive idiom. It acts as a predicate adjective, vividly portraying a state of complete destruction, typically by fire. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it emphasizes the utter devastation of buildings, homes, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "reduced to cinders" is a vivid and descriptive idiom used to express complete destruction, typically by fire. Grammatically correct and understandable, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts, as supported by Ludwig's examples. While it effectively conveys the image of utter devastation, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in situations where a more literal description is appropriate. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and can be used to describe something that was destroyed or ruined beyond repair.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burned to the ground

Focuses specifically on destruction by fire, emphasizing the totality of the destruction.

turned to ashes

Highlights the resulting state of complete combustion.

completely destroyed by fire

A more literal and less figurative way of expressing the same idea.

consumed by flames

Emphasizes the active process of destruction by fire.

razed to the ground

Implies a more deliberate and complete destruction, not necessarily by fire.

incinerated

Specifically refers to destruction by burning, often in a controlled manner.

annihilated

Indicates total destruction, though not necessarily by fire; can apply to abstract concepts as well.

obliterated

Similar to annihilated, suggesting complete removal or erasure.

laid waste

Conveys a sense of devastation and ruin, often after a destructive event like war or natural disaster.

reduced to nothing

A general term for complete destruction, applicable to various scenarios beyond just fire.

FAQs

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

You can use "reduced to cinders" to describe something that has been completely destroyed by fire, such as "The old factory was "burned to the ground" and "reduced to ashes", leaving only a pile of rubble".

What does "reduced to cinders" mean?

"Reduced to cinders" means completely destroyed by fire, leaving only ashes and burnt residue. It is often used figuratively to emphasize the totality of the destruction.

What are some synonyms for "reduced to cinders"?

Synonyms for "reduced to cinders" include "burned to the ground", "razed to the ground", "turned to ashes", and "completely destroyed by fire".

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

While grammatically correct, "reduced to cinders" is a figurative expression. It may be more suitable for descriptive or creative writing than highly formal or technical contexts. Consider using a more literal description like "completely destroyed by fire" in formal reports.