was destroyed

USAGE SUMMARY

'was destroyed' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a way to explain that something has been damaged or ruined beyond repair. For example, "The city was destroyed by the war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The economy was destroyed".

The New York Times - Health

The marriage was destroyed.

The New York Times - Books

Their friendship was destroyed.

Independent

"I was destroyed".

The New York Times

The division was destroyed.

The New Yorker

Their house was destroyed.

The New York Times

His house was destroyed.

The New York Times

My body was destroyed.

Independent

The Temple was destroyed.

The Economist

His shop was destroyed.

The New Yorker

Their union was destroyed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was destroyed", ensure that the context clearly indicates the cause of the destruction to provide a complete picture for the reader. For instance, specify if the destruction was due to natural disaster, war, or intentional actions.

Common error

While "was destroyed" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "was ruined", "was demolished", or "was obliterated" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was destroyed" functions as the passive voice of the verb "destroy", indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being destroyed. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where it modifies nouns like "house", "city", and "friendship", demonstrating its role in describing a past state of complete ruin or damage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

4%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was destroyed" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to describe a past state of complete ruin or significant damage. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its frequent appearance in neutral contexts, especially within News & Media sources, where it serves to inform audiences about destructive events. Alternatives such as "was ruined" and "was demolished" can provide variety in writing. Effective use involves clearly indicating the cause of destruction, while overuse should be avoided to maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was ruined

Replaces "destroyed" with a synonym indicating severe damage or decay.

was demolished

Suggests complete destruction, often of a building or structure.

was devastated

Emphasizes the emotional impact and extensive damage caused.

was obliterated

Implies complete and utter destruction, leaving no trace.

was shattered

Indicates something broken into many pieces or ruined in a figurative sense.

was wrecked

Suggests severe damage or ruin, often due to an accident or disaster.

was annihilated

Implies complete destruction, often used in the context of warfare or eradication.

was eradicated

Indicates the complete removal or elimination of something.

was extinguished

Suggests the end of something, like a fire or hope.

was eliminated

Indicates removal or getting rid of something.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was destroyed" indicates that something has been damaged beyond repair or rendered unusable. For example, "The building "was destroyed" by the fire" or "His reputation "was destroyed" by the scandal".

What can I say instead of "was destroyed"?

You can use alternatives like "was ruined", "was demolished", or "was obliterated" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance of destruction or damage.

Which is correct, "was destroyed" or "is destroyed"?

"Was destroyed" is used to describe something that happened in the past, while "is destroyed" describes something being destroyed in the present or as a general state. For example, "The evidence "was destroyed" last week," versus "The evidence "is destroyed" upon receipt".

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

"Was destroyed" implies a complete or near-complete state of ruin, making something unusable. "Was damaged" suggests harm but not necessarily total loss of function. For example, a building that "was destroyed" is likely unsalvageable, while a building that "was damaged" may still be repairable.