swath of destruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'swath of destruction' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the widespread destruction caused by something, such as a natural disaster or a war. For example: "The hurricane left a swath of destruction in its wake, destroying houses and businesses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Metallica expands its brute swath of destruction to a second location.

The New York Times - Arts

Along with the swath of destruction it cut through Tuscaloosa, the tornado smashed up the town's capacity to recover.

The New York Times

It claimed dozens of lives, as it cut a more than $1bn swath of destruction across the eastern US.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another couple simply got lucky, riding out the torrents in their house, one of the few in a swath of destruction that inexplicably held together.

The New York Times

Still, from a helicopter hovering several hundred feet above, there was no discernible swath of destruction, no borough-to-borough corridor tracing its path.

The New York Times

Invigorated Media Takes on Government 8. (SBU) In Anna Nicole's wide swath of destruction, one entity has flourished -- the Bahamian media.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

But long before dawn, the state faced a rain-soaked night that at daylight revealed wide swaths of destruction; a host of fallen trees, river and flash flooding and several hundred thousand people without power.

The New York Times

Sherman then launched his March to the Sea, a 50-mile- (80-km) wide swath of total destruction across Georgia from Atlanta to Savannah, some 200 miles (320 km) to the southeast; Savannah, captured in late December, was largely spared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

John Sheridan, Duke Energy spokesman, failed to tell your reporter that the pipeline will cut as much as a 100-foot swath of environmental destruction through the most sensitive Core Preservation Area of the central Pine Barrens, a place that Long Islanders have spent more than $300 million to protect.

The New York Times

The clash of faiths has cut a wide swath of panic and destruction through these once quiet hamlets fed by paddy fields and jackfruit trees.

The New York Times

And your robber takeover and merger swindler buddies have created a swath of scorched earth business destruction rivaling the Mongolian Khans, because it was easy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swath of destruction" to vividly describe the extensive damage caused by a specific event or force, whether natural or man-made. It emphasizes the wide-reaching impact and visual scope of the devastation.

Common error

Avoid using "swath of destruction" for minor inconveniences or setbacks. The phrase carries a strong connotation of significant and widespread devastation, and its impact diminishes if applied too liberally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "swath of destruction" primarily functions as a noun phrase that acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes the extent or area affected by a destructive event, as exemplified in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Science & Research

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swath of destruction" is a phrase used to describe the widespread damage caused by a specific event or force. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it is appropriate for formal writing, caution should be exercised to avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts. Related phrases like "trail of devastation" and "wave of destruction" can offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of this phrase allows for more effective and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

path of devastation

Highlights the linear progression and widespread impact of the destructive event.

trail of devastation

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the destruction, implying a path left behind.

wave of destruction

Suggests an overwhelming and encompassing destructive force.

extent of devastation

Focuses on the scale and magnitude of the destructive impact.

scope of destruction

Emphasizes the breadth and comprehensiveness of the destruction.

area of devastation

Focuses on the geographical extent of the destruction.

zone of destruction

Similar to 'area of devastation' but may imply a more contained or defined region.

field of ruin

Evokes a scene of complete and utter ruin.

legacy of destruction

Focuses on the long-lasting consequences and impact of the destruction.

catalogue of destruction

Implies a detailed and extensive record of the destruction caused.

FAQs

How can I use "swath of destruction" in a sentence?

You can use "swath of destruction" to describe the widespread damage caused by a natural disaster, war, or any other event that results in significant devastation. For example, "The tornado left a "swath of destruction" across the town".

What phrases are similar to "swath of destruction"?

Similar phrases include "trail of devastation", "wave of destruction", and "area of devastation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of devastation you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "swath of destruction" in formal writing?

Yes, "swath of destruction" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing events involving significant damage and devastation. However, ensure the context warrants the use of such a strong phrase and consider alternative expressions if a more neutral tone is desired.

What is the difference between "swath of destruction" and "degree of damage"?

"Swath of destruction" refers to the wide area affected by severe damage, whereas "degree of damage" simply refers to the intensity or extent of harm caused. The former emphasizes the geographical impact, while the latter focuses on the severity.