substantial destruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial destruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant level of damage or ruin caused to something, often in contexts related to disasters, conflicts, or accidents. Example: "The hurricane resulted in substantial destruction of homes and infrastructure in the coastal areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The original series begins with a Pearl Harbor-style attack on the colonial fleet and colonial homeworlds, leading to their substantial destruction.

The Guardian - Opinion

To be caught somewhere between the malevolent if insubstantial will of the terrorists -- between their intention, their purpose, that is -- and the all too substantial destruction of buildings that defined what we take for granted in this city was the fate of most New Yorkers that morning.

The New York Times

BEIRUT, Lebanon — The Syrian government denied on Sunday that it had used heavy weapons to attack a small farming community, although United Nations monitors documented substantial destruction in the village, Tremseh, in an attack that left scores dead and drew sharp international condemnation.

The New York Times

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a critical condition being presented with hyperuricemia, electrolyte disturbance and acute renal failure, and it is thought to be caused by massive release of cellular breakdown products due to substantial destruction of tumor cells.

Critical Care

Despite such importance for considering the anatomical parameters regarding HRC and FO, there is difficulty in precisely determining their optimal positions especially in patients who have a bilateral OA with substantial destruction of both hips (namely, due to no clear landmark available in the unaffected side of the hips).

BioMed Research International

Accordingly, treatment of Rosa-CreER or Vav-CreER transgenic mice with 4-OHT for 5 consecutive days led to substantial destruction of lymphoid organs in the former, whereas these organs remained unaffected in the latter (Supplementary Figure 3 and data not shown).

Cell Death and Disease

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Histology of the pancreatic islets at the end of the study revealed substantial islet destruction in +CH animals (Fig.  2a).

Diabetologia

The explosions were "very powerful," according to the Congolese Web site mwinda.org, which spoke of "several hundred" dead along with "substantial" physical destruction.

The New York Times

This study looks at the possibility of wet air oxidation (WAO) based pretreatment of complex effluent to selectively enhance the biodegradability (without substantial COD destruction) and facilitate biogas generation potential.

Bioresource Technology

Consumption rates and costs of these processes can be substantial; moreover, destruction of the reagent that is often the single largest operating cost centre for the process plant represents an additional economic downside.

Minerals Engineering

Therefore, substantial tissue destruction is not necessary to trigger necrotroph-related responses mediated by X. fastidiosa in the resistant plant host.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial destruction", ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what is being destroyed and the magnitude of the impact. Quantifying the destruction, if possible, adds clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial destruction" when the damage is minor or superficial. Reserve it for situations where the impact is genuinely significant and far-reaching.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial destruction" functions as a noun phrase, where "substantial" modifies the noun "destruction". This indicates a significant or considerable degree of damage or ruin. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "substantial destruction" is a phrase used to describe a significant level of damage or devastation. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys the magnitude of destruction. Alternatives like "significant damage" or "extensive devastation" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the scale of destruction is indeed significant to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant damage

Focuses on the degree of impairment or harm caused.

considerable damage

Highlights the extent and impact of the damage.

extensive devastation

Emphasizes the widespread nature of the destruction.

widespread ruin

Highlights the state of collapse or decay resulting from the destruction.

severe demolition

Focuses on the act of tearing down or dismantling.

major wreckage

Highlights the remains of something that has been severely damaged.

serious impairment

Focuses on the compromised condition or functionality.

heavy toll

Emphasizes the consequences or burden of the destruction.

profound disruption

Highlights the disturbance or interruption caused by the destruction.

grave harm

Emphasizes the severity and potential consequences of the damage.

FAQs

How can I use "substantial destruction" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial destruction" to describe significant damage or devastation caused by events like natural disasters, conflicts, or accidents. For example: "The earthquake caused "substantial destruction" to the city's infrastructure."

What are some alternatives to "substantial destruction"?

Alternatives include "significant damage", "extensive devastation", or "considerable damage". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "substantial destruction" a formal or informal phrase?

"Substantial destruction" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often found in news reports, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries. Consider your audience and purpose when choosing this phrase.

What kind of events typically lead to "substantial destruction"?

Events that typically result in "substantial destruction" include natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, acts of war, large-scale accidents, or deliberate demolition. The key is that the damage is significant in scope and impact.