to be obliterated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be obliterated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is to be completely destroyed or erased. Example: "The evidence was so compelling that it seemed destined to be obliterated from history."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

In the list of data to be obliterated, it is sufficient to just empty the cache.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

For all its rustic charm, Pigeon Roost is about to be obliterated.

The New York Times

"Edgar Allan Poe's memory is not going to be obliterated from the Village," he said.

The New York Times

The perpetrators also wanted the memory of these people to be obliterated, and that's something I don't want to happen.

The Guardian

The co-founder of ARM says that Intel is about to be "obliterated" as computing moves to his competing platform.

MIT Technology Review

He wasn't interested in units on low floors, or those with views soon to be obliterated by new construction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

But if this data was correct his reputation would count for nothing and a party that came close to being obliterated at last year's general election was on course for a byelection sensation to rival any in British political history.

The Guardian

Banks also worry that their brands, and therefore their access to the consumers they want to sell services to, will be obliterated.

Forbes

[But] to then just be obliterated by these foxes… It was surprisingly sad for three hardened men!" said Tom.

BBC

Five blocks of it, along with three streets that crossed it from east to west, were obliterated to make way for the World Trade Center, which required sixteen acres of unbroken land.

The New Yorker

The mess tent, where some had begun to eat, was obliterated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be obliterated" when you want to convey a sense of total destruction or irreversible erasure. It is suitable for both physical and abstract concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "to be obliterated" in overly casual or mundane situations. Its strong connotation of complete destruction can sound hyperbolic or melodramatic if the situation doesn't warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be obliterated" functions as a verb phrase within sentences, typically used in the passive voice. It describes a state or action where something is completely destroyed or erased, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be obliterated" is a versatile phrase used to describe complete destruction or erasure, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and frequently used, it carries a stronger connotation than simpler alternatives. It appears most often in news and media contexts, suggesting a formal register. When writing, remember to consider the intensity of the phrase and whether it aligns with the overall tone and context of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be destroyed

Focuses on the act of ruining or terminating something's existence.

to be erased

Implies a removal or wiping away, often of something written or recorded.

to be annihilated

Suggests complete and utter destruction, often with violent connotations.

to be wiped out

Indicates the complete removal of something, often a population or species.

to be eliminated

Emphasizes the removal of something that is unwanted or problematic.

to be eradicated

Implies a complete and permanent removal, often of a disease or social problem.

to be extinguished

Suggests bringing something to an end, like a fire or a hope.

to be expunged

Refers to the act of erasing or removing something completely, especially from a record.

to be nullified

Focuses on rendering something invalid or without legal force.

to be dismantled

Suggests taking something apart piece by piece, leading to its destruction or removal.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be obliterated" to describe something being completely destroyed or erased. For example, "The old building was scheduled to be obliterated to make way for the new development" or "All evidence of the crime was to be obliterated."

What are some alternatives to "to be obliterated"?

Some alternatives to "to be obliterated" include "to be destroyed", "to be erased", or "to be annihilated", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "to be obliterated"?

It's appropriate to use "to be obliterated" when describing something that is completely and irrevocably destroyed or removed. It's best suited for situations where the sense of finality and thoroughness is important.

Is "to be obliterated" a formal or informal expression?

"To be obliterated" is generally considered a more formal expression. While it can be used in news and media, it carries a stronger connotation than simpler terms like "destroyed" and is, therefore, less common in casual conversation.