to be destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be destroyed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that something is subject to destruction or will be destroyed in the future. Example: "The old building is set to be destroyed next month to make way for a new development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cattle had to be destroyed.

The New York Times - Arts

To be destroyed".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So nature has to be destroyed.

The New York Times

They, too, had to be destroyed.

The New Yorker

"They need to be destroyed".

The New York Times

It had to be destroyed.

The New York Times

They have to be destroyed.

The Washington Post

They're most likely going to be destroyed!

The New Yorker

The country's crops appear to be destroyed.

The New York Times

"Anything 'embarrassing' was to be destroyed.

The Guardian

He seems determined to be destroyed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be destroyed", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Alternatives like "demolished", "annihilated", or "ruined" can offer more precise meanings depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive construction "to be destroyed" when active voice would be more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of "The city is to be destroyed by the enemy", consider "The enemy will destroy the city".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to be destroyed" is a passive infinitive, used to express a future action or state of being acted upon. As Ludwig confirms, it's frequently encountered in diverse contexts to convey the fate or intended outcome of an object or entity. For example, "The evidence is to be destroyed."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be destroyed" is a grammatically correct and very common passive infinitive used to indicate that something is intended or destined for destruction. According to Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. While neutral in register, it's essential to consider the specific nuance and avoid overuse of the passive voice for more impactful writing. Alternative phrases such as "to be demolished" or "to be eliminated" may be more appropriate depending on the context. The Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is suitable for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be demolished

This alternative focuses on the act of tearing down or dismantling a structure.

to be annihilated

This alternative emphasizes complete obliteration or eradication.

to be ruined

This alternative suggests a state of irreparable damage or decay.

to be eliminated

This alternative focuses on the removal or eradication of something, often in a systematic way.

to be eradicated

This alternative emphasizes the complete removal of something, often a problem or disease.

to be dismantled

This alternative focuses on taking something apart piece by piece.

to be terminated

This alternative suggests a formal or official ending or destruction.

to be wrecked

This alternative implies severe damage or ruin, often resulting from an accident.

to be consumed

This alternative suggests destruction by fire or other means of consumption.

to be extinguished

This alternative emphasizes the act of putting an end to something, like a flame or hope.

FAQs

How can I use "to be destroyed" in a sentence?

You can use "to be destroyed" to indicate that something is going to be ruined or annihilated. For example, "The old building is scheduled "to be destroyed" next week".

What are some alternatives to "to be destroyed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to be demolished", "to be ruined", or "to be eliminated".

Is "to be destroyed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "to be destroyed" is grammatically correct. It uses the passive infinitive form of the verb "destroy". Ludwig confirms that it's appropriate in written English.

What is the difference between "to be destroyed" and "to destroy"?

"To be destroyed" is in the passive voice, indicating that something will have destruction done to it. "To destroy" is in the active voice, meaning that someone or something will perform the act of destruction. For example, "The evidence is "to be destroyed"" versus "They plan "to destroy" the evidence".