was being annihilated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being annihilated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an ongoing action in the past where something was in the process of being destroyed or eliminated. Example: "As the battle raged on, the enemy's forces were being annihilated by our superior strategy and firepower."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He was being annihilated.

The Guardian

While the ROK 7th Infantry Division was being annihilated at Tokchon by the PVA 38th Corps, the ROK 8th Infantry Division was also being routed, at Yongwon by the PVA 42nd Corps.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We're real people here, and we're being annihilated," Mr. Crawford said later, his voice choked with emotion as he drove a visitor in his pickup truck through his fields.

The New York Times

Two years before, when Hannibal first descended onto the northern plain of Italy, the main force of the Roman legions had managed to carve through the enemy in front of them at the battle of the River Trebia, even as their Italian allies on the flanks were being annihilated.

The New York Times - Books

In the bobbing swells of New York Harbor, within sight of the Coney Island ferris wheel, a gaggle of gulls hovers around our boat and dive-bombs the water, feasting on the dismembered bits of baitfish that are being annihilated by a large, subsurface school of bluefish and striped bass.

Forbes

"Baba Amr is being annihilated.

Vice

Buffalo were being annihilated; lion prides, poisoned.

Vice

Bluefin are being "annihilated" by overfishing, There are less direct ways for mercury to enter our food chain.

Huffington Post

10.50am GMT Afternoon/evening all Here are my observations from the first session: - Michael Clarke has played a truly special innings, once that I simply couldn't envisage when he was being physically annihilated by Morne Morkel in the middle session yesterday.

The Guardian - Sport

Being picked off a few at a time may end up being worse than being annihilated all at once by a nuclear bomb.

The Guardian

"But, you know, at that time the Kurdish people were in danger of being annihilated," Talabani told me, by way of explanation.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was being annihilated", ensure the context clearly indicates an ongoing process of complete destruction or elimination. Avoid using it for situations where there's a possibility of recovery or partial survival.

Common error

Avoid using "was being annihilated" to describe situations that are merely difficult or challenging. This phrase conveys a sense of total destruction, so reserve it for contexts where something is genuinely being completely eliminated or destroyed. Using a milder phrase will ensure your writing is more accurate and appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being annihilated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence was receiving the action of being completely destroyed. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to describe an ongoing state of destruction in the past.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was being annihilated" is a grammatically sound and powerful way to describe a past, ongoing process of complete destruction. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a passive verb phrase that conveys intensity and totality. While more suited to formal contexts like news reports and encyclopedic entries, it can be used effectively in any situation where complete and utter destruction is occurring. Keep in mind that less formal options like "was being destroyed" or "was getting wiped out" might be more appropriate for casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was being wiped out

This option offers a more informal and emphatic way to describe total destruction.

was getting destroyed

This alternative uses a more common synonym for "annihilated", making it slightly less formal.

was being eliminated

Eliminated implies a removal or termination, which can be less forceful than "annihilated".

was being decimated

Decimated implies a significant reduction in number, often by a specific percentage, whereas "annihilated" suggests complete destruction.

was facing obliteration

This alternative shifts the focus to the prospect of complete destruction, using a more formal term, "obliteration".

was being eradicated

"Eradicated" suggests complete removal, often used in the context of diseases or problems, differing slightly from the broad destruction implied by "annihilated".

was being exterminated

"Exterminated" often refers to the systematic killing of a group, differing from general destruction.

was being crushed

"Crushed" indicates being overpowered or defeated heavily, focusing more on the aspect of defeat rather than complete destruction.

was being vanquished

"Vanquished" emphasizes the act of being defeated in a battle or contest, rather than total destruction.

was being suppressed

"Suppressed" indicates being forcibly put down or restrained, differing from the complete destruction suggested by "annihilated".

FAQs

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

Use "was being annihilated" to describe a past, ongoing action where something was in the process of being utterly destroyed or completely defeated. For instance, "The opposing army "was being annihilated" by the superior firepower of the defending forces".

What are some alternatives to "was being annihilated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "was getting destroyed", "was being decimated", or "was being wiped out". Choose the alternative that best fits the nuance of destruction you wish to convey.

Is "was being annihilated" too strong for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "was being annihilated" is quite emphatic and formal. In everyday conversation, less intense options like "was being destroyed" or "was getting crushed" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "was being annihilated" and "was annihilated"?

"Was being annihilated" describes an ongoing process of destruction in the past, suggesting the action was happening over time. "Was annihilated" describes a completed action, meaning the destruction was finished at some point in the past.