virtually destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually destroyed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been almost completely ruined or rendered unusable, but not entirely so. Example: "The storm virtually destroyed the old barn, leaving only a few walls standing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The original settlement was virtually destroyed during the Turkish occupation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has virtually destroyed the town of Paradise.

MIT Technology Review

"They've virtually destroyed this museum to Chinese revolutionary history," he said.

The New York Times

In 1690 the village was virtually destroyed in the Schenectady Massacre by the French and Indians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Virtually destroyed by German Nazis during the Warsaw Uprising in August 1944, it was largely restored.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fishing industry along the Aral Sea was thus virtually destroyed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pisco, some 150km south of the capital, Lima, was virtually destroyed.

The Economist

But they are starting almost from scratch.Farming was virtually destroyed by Saddam.

The Economist

In 1865 it was occupied by Union troops and virtually destroyed by fire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The devaluation of the pound in 1967 virtually destroyed what was left of the economic strategy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Notorious improvidence has characterized forest conservation; forests, now almost virtually destroyed, have become scrublands or caatingas, which are shrubs.

Environmental Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about events or situations that cause substantial damage, consider using "virtually destroyed" to emphasize the near-total devastation experienced by the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually destroyed" when something is completely and utterly destroyed. The word "virtually" implies that something is close to, but not fully, in a certain state. If something is 100% gone, use stronger terms like "completely destroyed" or "obliterated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually destroyed" functions as a compound verb phrase, where "virtually" modifies the verb "destroyed". Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase describes a state of near-total destruction, suggesting that something has been almost completely ruined or rendered unusable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually destroyed" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of near-total devastation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is almost completely ruined but not entirely so. It appears frequently in news media, encyclopedias, and other sources to emphasize the severity of damage. While "virtually destroyed" is generally appropriate, it's crucial to avoid overstating the level of destruction and use it only when something is close to, but not fully, ruined. Alternatives like "almost annihilated" or "practically ruined" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost annihilated

Emphasizes complete obliteration to a greater degree than the original phrase.

nearly obliterated

Highlights the state of being forgotten or rendered indistinct, with a nuance of complete removal.

practically ruined

Focuses on the damage or harm inflicted, rather than total destruction.

essentially demolished

Stresses the removal or tearing down of a structure or system, with a stronger connotation of physical destruction.

largely devastated

Emphasizes the emotional or widespread impact of the destruction.

almost completely wrecked

Suggests a state of severe damage, with a focus on the physical condition.

left in ruins

Highlights the aftermath of destruction, focusing on the remnants.

rendered unusable

Focuses on the loss of functionality due to the damage.

reduced to rubble

Implies a complete and thorough physical destruction, leaving only fragments.

badly damaged

A more general term indicating significant harm or impairment, but not necessarily total destruction.

FAQs

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

You can use "virtually destroyed" to describe something that is almost completely ruined but not entirely so. For example, "The hurricane "virtually destroyed" the coastal town, leaving only a few buildings standing."

What are some alternatives to saying "virtually destroyed"?

Alternatives include "almost annihilated", "nearly obliterated", or "practically ruined". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "completely virtually destroyed"?

No, "completely virtually destroyed" is redundant. "Virtually" already implies 'almost completely', so adding 'completely' is unnecessary and grammatically awkward. Use either "completely destroyed" or "virtually destroyed", but not both.

What's the difference between "virtually destroyed" and "partially destroyed"?

"Virtually destroyed" means something is close to being completely ruined, whereas "partially destroyed" means only a portion of it is damaged. The former implies a much greater level of devastation than the latter.