was annihilated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was annihilated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been completely destroyed or eradicated, often in a dramatic or total sense. Example: "The ancient civilization was annihilated by a series of natural disasters that left no trace behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was annihilated.

Independent

She was annihilated.

The Guardian - Sport

The rebel Liberal Party was annihilated at the 1955 election.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most of the company's trading floor there was annihilated.

The New York Times

They were facing a Browns defense that was annihilated by zone-running teams last season.

The New York Times

I was annihilated myself yesterday by a pro no one has ever heard of".

The New York Times - Magazine

After the latter's defeat, Tabal was annihilated and annexed to Assyria.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now the old life was annihilated, along with much of modern, liberal Jewish culture.

The Economist

In the Campaign of Lomas Valentinas in December, the Paraguayan army was annihilated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its rhino population was annihilated and most of its elephants wiped out in 1970s and 80s.

The Guardian

They were in a place without pity, all pity was annihilated in Rosa, she looked at Stella's bones without pity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was annihilated" to convey a sense of complete and utter destruction, emphasizing the totality of the event. This phrase is suitable when you want to highlight the severity of the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "was annihilated" in situations where the level of destruction or defeat isn't absolute. Using it for minor setbacks can sound hyperbolic and diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was annihilated" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being completely destroyed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English and can convey a strong sense of destruction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

28%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was annihilated" is a powerful way to describe complete destruction or defeat. Grammatically correct and very common, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants such a strong term to avoid overstatement. Consider alternatives like "was destroyed" or "was obliterated" for less intense situations. Keep in mind that this phrase is usable in written English and conveys a strong sense of finality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was obliterated

Implies complete removal or destruction, similar to "was annihilated" but can also refer to obscuring something.

was destroyed

Indicates severe damage or ruin, but may not always imply total obliteration.

was eradicated

Suggests the complete removal of something, often used in the context of diseases or problems.

was wiped out

Means completely destroyed or eliminated, often used in informal contexts.

was decimated

Indicates a significant reduction or destruction, often implying a loss of a large portion but not necessarily total annihilation.

was crushed

Suggests being heavily suppressed or defeated, sometimes with physical destruction.

was extinguished

Implies the end of something, like a fire or hope, rather than total physical destruction.

was vanquished

A more formal and literary way to say 'was defeated' or 'overcome'.

was defeated

Implies being overcome in a competition or battle, not necessarily leading to complete destruction.

was terminated

Suggests the end of something, like a process or agreement, rather than complete physical destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "was annihilated" in a sentence?

You can use "was annihilated" to describe something that has been completely destroyed or eradicated. For example, "The opposing army "was annihilated" in the battle" or "The old building "was annihilated" to make way for the new development".

What are some alternatives to "was annihilated"?

Some alternatives to "was annihilated" include "was destroyed", "was obliterated", "was eradicated", or "was wiped out", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "was annihilated" in formal writing?

Yes, "was annihilated" can be used in formal writing when describing a complete and utter destruction or defeat. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message. Using "was obliterated" might be a more formal alternative.

What's the difference between "was annihilated" and "was destroyed"?

While both phrases indicate damage or ruin, "was annihilated" implies a more complete and total destruction than "was destroyed". "Was annihilated" suggests nothing is left, while "was destroyed" might imply that some remnants remain.