turned to ashes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "turned to ashes" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used when speaking about something being destroyed or ending, often symbolically or figuratively. For example, "The plans for our vacation turned to ashes when the flight was cancelled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

His anchors have turned to ashes.

The New York Times

The fake marriage license turned to ashes in seconds.

The New Yorker

Shame ruined lives at Poly Prep; our great successes of youth have turned to ashes.

The New York Times

The facade was made of timber and was turned to ashes.

The New York Times

All over the country, on Wednesday, the strawberries turned to ashes in our mouths.

The Guardian - Opinion

Have the ch-ch-changes been to your liking, or has it, er, turned to ashes?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The paper turned to ash.

The New York Times

All my bullshit turned to ash.

The Guardian - Books

They had inhaled fire, their lungs had turned to ash".

The Guardian - Books

The stardust has turned to ash, and the gold has tarnished.

The New York Times - Arts

With a piece of wood, he rekindled the fire until all had turned to ash.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "turned to ashes" to convey a sense of finality and irreversible destruction, particularly when describing hopes, dreams, or plans that have been completely ruined.

Common error

Avoid using "turned to ashes" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "reduced to nothing" or "ended in failure" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turned to ashes" functions as a figurative expression, often serving as the predicate of a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it vividly depicts the destruction or ruin of something, whether tangible or intangible. This aligns with the examples provided, showcasing its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "turned to ashes" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe the complete destruction or failure of something. As Ludwig AI affirms, it is effective in conveying a sense of finality and loss. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase adds a touch of drama and emphasis to writing. To avoid overuse, explore synonyms like "ended in failure" or "reduced to nothing". By understanding its proper usage and context, you can enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ended in failure

Directly states the unsuccessful outcome, focusing on the lack of desired results.

went up in smoke

Suggests a sudden and spectacular failure, often implying a loss of something valuable.

reduced to nothing

Emphasizes complete annihilation or destruction, focusing on the end result of a destructive process.

crumbled to dust

Implies a slow and irreversible decay, emphasizing the fragility and eventual demise.

became a lost cause

Indicates that a situation is beyond redemption, implying a sense of hopelessness and resignation.

came to naught

Highlights the futility and lack of achievement, suggesting that efforts were wasted.

proved fruitless

Highlights the lack of positive results, indicating that efforts were unproductive.

dissolved into nothingness

Emphasizes the complete disappearance and loss of substance, suggesting a return to a state of non-existence.

evaporated into thin air

Suggests a disappearance without a trace, implying a sudden and complete vanishing.

fell apart

Focuses on the disintegration and breakdown of something, highlighting the process of failing.

FAQs

How can I use "turned to ashes" in a sentence?

You can use "turned to ashes" to describe something that has been completely destroyed or has failed. For example, "Their dreams of owning a home "turned to ashes" after the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "turned to ashes"?

Alternatives include "ended in failure", "came to naught", or "went up in smoke". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is "turned to ashes" a formal or informal expression?

"Turned to ashes" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in literary or descriptive writing than in everyday conversation.

What does it mean when something "turns to ashes"?

When something "turns to ashes", it means that it has been completely destroyed or ruined, often implying a sense of loss and finality. It can refer to physical destruction, as well as the failure of hopes or plans.