should be destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be destroyed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is deemed harmful, unnecessary, or obsolete and needs to be eliminated. Example: "The outdated documents should be destroyed to protect sensitive information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Al-Jazeera should be destroyed".

The Guardian

A judge ruled in February that it should be destroyed.

The New York Times

Problem wolves that kill livestock should be destroyed.

The New York Times

One said that absentee ballots should be destroyed.

The New York Times

He even, reportedly, joked that it should be destroyed.

The Guardian - Opinion

It argued that the state was illegitimate and should be destroyed.

The Economist

He said, "I and a few other people saw he should be destroyed".

The New Yorker

Karl Marx agreed with the anarchists of his day that the state should be destroyed.

The New Yorker

Some argued that the statues were symbols of tyranny and should be destroyed and forgotten.

The Economist

Anything that is not required for forensic analysis should be destroyed, it argues.

The New York Times

• PETA argued that dogs trained for fighting should be destroyed because they are unsafe and unserviceable.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact of using the phrase "should be destroyed", especially in sensitive contexts. Opt for gentler alternatives like "should be eliminated" or "needs to be eradicated" when appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "should be destroyed" in contexts where a less aggressive term would suffice. For instance, instead of saying 'My old ideas should be destroyed', consider 'My old ideas should be revised' or 'reconsidered'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be destroyed" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing a recommendation, obligation, or necessity for something to undergo destruction. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts to convey the need for elimination or termination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should be destroyed" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey the necessity for something to be eliminated or terminated due to its harmful or obsolete nature. As Ludwig AI indicates, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, with examples highlighting diverse applications. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and potential impact, opting for gentler alternatives when appropriate to maintain clarity and sensitivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to be eliminated

Highlights the necessity of removal, often implying a problem or obstacle.

needs to be eradicated

Suggests a complete and thorough removal, often implying a persistent or widespread problem that requires decisive action.

must be extinguished

Implies a complete and thorough destruction, often used metaphorically for abstract concepts.

ought to be eliminated

Indicates a moral obligation or advisability for removal, suggesting a slightly softer necessity than immediate destruction.

must be terminated

Implies a formal or official end to something, often used in business or legal contexts.

should be abolished

Implies formally ending a system, practice, or institution by authority.

has to be dismantled

Focuses on taking something apart piece by piece, often used when referring to systems or organizations.

should be terminated

Implies a formal and often abrupt end, particularly in contracts or employment.

should be nullified

Indicates that something should be rendered void or without legal force.

should be discontinued

Suggests that something should be stopped or ceased, typically referring to a product or service.

FAQs

What does "should be destroyed" mean?

The phrase "should be destroyed" indicates that something is considered undesirable, harmful, or obsolete and needs to be eliminated or terminated. It expresses a judgment that something warrants complete removal.

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

Use "should be destroyed" when you want to convey that something is detrimental and requires immediate and complete removal. Consider the context and emotional impact, and opt for alternatives like "should be eliminated" if a softer tone is more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "should be destroyed"?

Alternatives include "ought to be eliminated", "needs to be eradicated", "must be terminated", or "has to be dismantled". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the desired level of intensity.

Is "should be destroyed" too strong of a phrase to use in formal writing?

The appropriateness of "should be destroyed" in formal writing depends on the context. While grammatically correct, it can sound harsh. In business or academic writing, consider more neutral alternatives, such as "should be eliminated" or "needs to be removed", unless the situation genuinely warrants a strong expression.