turn into ashes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turn into ashes" is correct and usable in written English.
It's used to describe an object or person being completely destroyed. For example, "The house burnt to the ground and quickly turned into ashes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Without the gelatin, the paper would turn into ashes," says Liwei Lin, professor of mechanical engineering and senior author of a paper in the journal Advanced Materials reporting the versatile new technology.

University of California, Berkeley

A long project is, as you will realise, a massive and potentially ludicrous commitment of time and enthusiasm which could come apart in your hands at any moment, could promise wonders, cough twice and then turn into ashes and sand at the end of three years' preparation and one year's labour.

The Guardian - Books

"Libya will be red with fire; it will turn into ashes". And he urged Libyans to celebrate.

Los Angeles Times

Another theory relates to Vishnu's sage avatar and founder of Samkhya philosophy, Kapila, who is described as having a wrathful nature and cursing the sons of Sagara to turn into ashes for insulting him.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I've seen moles where cooks take the ingredients, including tortillas, and light them on fire on a comal, so that they turn into ash.

The Washington Post

Hindustan Times: Gold to Ash: Aishwarya's many failed avatarsIn a rare reversal of the Midas touch, every bit of gold this Bollywood superstar wore on the Cannes red carpet seemed to turn into ash.

The Guardian - Film

First, the ash content is lower than corresponding mineral content, and then their composition is changed, Minerals at high temperature after decomposition, oxidation, combining chemical reaction can turn into ash.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

Our churches and monasteries without people would turn into ash very soon.

Los Angeles Times

I can't fuck them, I can't be them and I know from experience that girl love will turn into ash quicker and meaner than any boyfriend's.

Vice

They were turned into ashes".

The New York Times

After 700 years of communal life on Polish soil, the Poles did not shed even one tear over the Jews turned into ashes..

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turn into ashes" to vividly describe complete destruction, especially by fire or intense heat. For example, “The forest fire was so intense that everything seemed to "turn into ashes".”

Common error

Avoid using "turn into ashes" literally when a less dramatic phrase is more appropriate. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound hyperbolic or melodramatic, especially in contexts that don't involve actual burning or destruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turn into ashes" functions as a verb phrase that describes a complete and often irreversible transformation resulting in destruction. It's used to depict the obliteration of something, typically by fire. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "turn into ashes" is an idiomatic expression used to describe complete destruction, often by fire. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates that it is a relatively rare phrase. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Academia and Wiki sources. When writing, it's best used to vividly depict total devastation, but should be avoided in contexts where a less dramatic description is more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as "be utterly destroyed" or "turn to dust" to achieve different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turn to dust

Similar to turning to ashes, but can imply a slower, more natural process of decay.

be utterly destroyed

Highlights the totality of the destruction, leaving no part untouched.

be obliterated

Focuses on the complete removal of something from existence, often by a powerful force.

be reduced to nothing

Focuses on the complete annihilation of something, emphasizing its disappearance.

be reduced to rubble

Highlights the physical remains of something that has been violently destroyed.

be consumed by fire

Highlights the destructive power of fire as the cause of obliteration.

disintegrate completely

Emphasizes the breakdown of something into its constituent parts until nothing remains.

go up in smoke

Suggests a sudden and complete failure or destruction, often of plans or hopes.

vanish without a trace

Focuses on the complete disappearance of something, leaving no evidence behind.

be wiped off the face of the earth

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the destruction, implying a global scale.

FAQs

How can I use "turn into ashes" in a sentence?

You can use "turn into ashes" to describe something completely destroyed by fire or extreme heat. For example, "The ancient library "turned into ashes" after the lightning strike ignited the roof".

What is a more formal alternative to "turn into ashes"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "be completely destroyed", "be reduced to nothing", or "be consumed by fire" instead of "turn into ashes".

Is "turn into ashes" an idiom?

Yes, "turn into ashes" is an idiom that means to be completely destroyed, especially by fire. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the ruin of hopes or plans.

What's the difference between "turn to dust" and "turn into ashes"?

"Turn to dust" and "turn into ashes" are similar, but "turn to dust" implies a slower, more natural process of decay, while "turn into ashes" suggests a rapid destruction by fire or intense heat.