utterly destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly destroyed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the complete and total destruction of something, often in a dramatic or intense context. Example: "After the hurricane passed through, the once vibrant town was utterly destroyed, leaving nothing but debris in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bamiyan was utterly destroyed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tacloban city itself is utterly destroyed.

Independent

They must and will be utterly destroyed!

The New Yorker

Houses that are unscathed right next to utterly destroyed.

The New York Times

But the town, says Frichitthavong, has been utterly destroyed.

The Guardian

They said: "Our lives have been utterly destroyed by being branded brutal murderers".

Independent

Ten months later Spanish naval power was utterly destroyed in the Battle of Trafalgar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This sacred place, frozen in time, is going to be utterly destroyed.

The New Yorker

It healed Japan after it had utterly destroyed it, protected the world from communism.

The Guardian

Some are utterly destroyed, unable to hold down a job or romantic relationship.

The New York Times

Don't forget the most important fact about Afghanistan: It's utterly destroyed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly destroyed" to emphasize the thoroughness and completeness of the destruction. It adds a strong emotional impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly destroyed" for minor inconveniences or trivial situations. Its strength lies in depicting significant, often catastrophic, events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly destroyed" functions as a compound adjective describing the state of something that has been completely ruined or devastated. The adverb "utterly" intensifies the meaning of the past participle "destroyed", as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly destroyed" is a powerful way to describe something that has been completely ruined, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI examples underscore its usage in scenarios involving significant devastation. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the destruction is truly substantial. Alternatives like "completely annihilated" or "utterly devastated" offer similar emphasis. Remember to consider your audience and context when employing this impactful phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Completely annihilated

Emphasizes total obliteration, akin to wiping something out of existence.

Totally obliterated

Highlights the complete removal or erasure of something.

Utterly devastated

Focuses on the emotional impact and thoroughness of the destruction.

Completely ruined

Indicates a state of total spoilage or destruction.

Irreparably damaged

Stresses the inability to repair the harm inflicted.

Totally wrecked

Focuses on the damage and state of disrepair after destruction.

Reduced to rubble

Illustrates physical destruction resulting in debris and fragments.

Absolutely crushed

Implies a forceful and complete destruction.

Wiped off the map

Conveys complete disappearance or erasure from existence.

Decimated beyond repair

Stresses a severe reduction and irreparable state.

FAQs

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

Use "utterly destroyed" to describe something that has been completely ruined or devastated. For example, "The hurricane "utterly destroyed" the coastline".

What are some synonyms for "utterly destroyed"?

Alternatives include "completely annihilated", "totally obliterated", or "utterly devastated". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "utterly destroyed" in a formal context?

Yes, "utterly destroyed" can be used in formal contexts when describing significant destruction, such as in historical accounts or reports on natural disasters. However, consider the tone and audience when choosing this phrase.

What is the difference between "utterly destroyed" and "slightly damaged"?

"Utterly destroyed" implies complete ruin, while "slightly damaged" suggests only minor harm. The phrases are antonyms, representing opposite ends of a spectrum of destruction.