was obliterated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was obliterated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been completely destroyed or erased, often in a dramatic or emphatic context. Example: "The ancient ruins were so thoroughly damaged by the earthquake that they were almost entirely obliterated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Everything was obliterated.

The New York Times

A bridge was obliterated.

The New Yorker

The Iraqi resistance was obliterated.

The New York Times

Now the man's face was obliterated.

The New Yorker

His courage was obliterated by religious passions.

The New York Times

It was obliterated by Hurricane Katrina.

The New Yorker

It was obliterated in 1402 by the Mongol Timur (Tamerlane).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Appointment television — shows worth building a schedule around — was obliterated.

The New York Times - Tech

With the closing of the magazine, my beloved family of colleagues was obliterated.

The New York Times - Magazine

The brigade was obliterated: a hundred and fourteen members killed, and more than a thousand captured.

The New Yorker

"It ain't like Katrina," said Darius Rutley, 21, whose house in Alberta was obliterated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully; "was obliterated" is a strong term, best suited for situations where the destruction is significant and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "was obliterated" in situations where the destruction is minor or easily reversible. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was obliterated" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent complete destruction or removal. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing the destruction of physical objects, abstract concepts, and even people's confidence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

24%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was obliterated" is a powerful and grammatically sound expression used to convey the complete destruction or removal of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific publications. While highly effective in emphasizing thorough destruction, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact. Consider synonyms such as "was destroyed", "was wiped out", or "was eradicated" for less intense scenarios. Understanding its function, purpose, and register ensures its appropriate and impactful use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was completely destroyed

Replaces "obliterated" with a more common and direct synonym, reducing the intensity of the imagery.

was wiped out

Offers a slightly more informal alternative, suggesting thorough removal or destruction.

was eradicated

Suggests complete elimination, often used in contexts of disease, problems, or unwanted elements.

was annihilated

Implies a more violent and sudden destruction, intensifying the impact compared to "obliterated".

was completely removed

Focuses on the act of removal, downplaying the potential violence or intensity of the original phrase.

was expunged

Suggests a formal and thorough removal, often used in legal or official contexts.

was effaced

Emphasizes the removal of traces or marks, suggesting a more subtle form of destruction.

was extinguished

Implies the end of something, like a flame or life, adding a sense of finality.

was decimated

Indicates a significant reduction or destruction, typically affecting a large portion of something.

was leveled

Specifically describes the destruction of a structure or area, reducing it to a flat surface.

FAQs

What does "was obliterated" mean?

The phrase "was obliterated" means something was completely destroyed, erased, or removed, leaving no trace behind. It suggests a thorough and often forceful act of destruction.

What are some alternatives to "was obliterated"?

You can use alternatives like "was destroyed", "was wiped out", or "was eradicated" depending on the context.

Is "was obliterated" a formal or informal expression?

"Was obliterated" is a relatively formal expression that can be used in news, academic writing, and other contexts where a strong and impactful description of destruction is needed.

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

Here's an example: "The ancient city "was obliterated" by a volcanic eruption, leaving no trace of its existence."