totally destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

"totally destroyed" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to emphasize complete destruction or ruin of something. Example: The building was totally destroyed in the fire. Alternative expressions include "completely ruined" and "utterly demolished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their camp was totally destroyed.

The Guardian

"The hospital is totally destroyed," he said.

The New York Times

"My camera was just totally destroyed".

The New Yorker

The World Trade Center totally destroyed.

The New Yorker

Three churches have been totally destroyed.

The Guardian - Arts

"It totally destroyed our Christmas," she said.

The New York Times

"I was totally destroyed," Mr. Oglesby says.

The New York Times

Our corn has also been totally destroyed.

The Guardian

Sixteen mausoleums would be totally destroyed.

The Guardian

"Everything was totally destroyed — a place of fifty-five metres by fifty metres totally destroyed.

The New Yorker

Four villages were totally destroyed by the lava flow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally destroyed" when you want to emphasize the completeness of the destruction. It conveys a stronger sense of devastation than simply saying "damaged".

Common error

Avoid using "totally destroyed" for situations that involve minor damage or inconvenience. Reserve it for scenarios where the destruction is truly complete and irreversible to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally destroyed" functions as a modifier, specifically an adverb (totally) modifying a past participle (destroyed). This construction emphasizes the completeness of the destruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and acceptable construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally destroyed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize complete destruction. According to Ludwig, its usage is widely accepted. It appears most commonly in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki sources. While it is acceptable in formal writing, its impact is greatest when reserved for truly devastating scenarios. Alternatives include "completely ruined" and "utterly demolished". Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its strong emotive effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely ruined

Focuses on the state of being damaged beyond repair.

utterly demolished

Emphasizes the forceful and complete destruction of something, often a structure.

entirely obliterated

Highlights the complete removal or disappearance of something.

absolutely devastated

Emphasizes the severe damage and emotional impact of destruction.

irreparably damaged

Focuses on the inability to repair or restore something to its original condition.

reduced to rubble

Describes the state of being destroyed and broken into fragments.

wiped off the map

Figuratively suggests complete and utter destruction or disappearance.

razed to the ground

Describes the complete destruction of a building or structure, leaving nothing standing.

annihilated completely

Emphasizes the total and utter destruction of something.

left in ruins

Highlights the state of desolation and decay following destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "totally destroyed" in a sentence?

You can use "totally destroyed" to describe something that has been completely ruined or devastated. For example, "The hurricane totally destroyed the coastal town" or "His confidence was totally destroyed after the public failure".

What are some alternatives to "totally destroyed"?

You can use alternatives like "completely ruined", "utterly demolished", or "entirely obliterated" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "totally destroyed" in formal writing?

Yes, "totally destroyed" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing events with significant impact. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message. More formal synonyms exist should the context require it.

What is the difference between "damaged" and "totally destroyed"?

"Damaged" implies that something is impaired or harmed, but still partially functional or repairable. "Totally destroyed" indicates complete ruin, leaving nothing salvageable. For example, a car with a dent is damaged, but a car crushed beyond recognition is "totally destroyed".