wave of destruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wave of destruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large-scale event or phenomenon that causes significant damage or devastation, often in a dramatic or metaphorical sense. Example: "The hurricane swept through the coastal town, leaving a wave of destruction in its wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Only rainfall, the lake, and stretches of unbuilt lots on the North Side finally halted the wave of destruction on the morning of October 10.

Britannica

A towering wave of destruction crashed down through the Hudson gorge and proceeded to smash the southern end of the local moraine to smithereens.

The New York Times - Science

Last year, Camping's followers were glued to their laptops for instant news of a 24-hour rolling wave of destruction starting in New Zealand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nonetheless, the accounts provide a look at the latest wave of destruction unleashed on a country already half wrecked by 22 years of war.

The New York Times

However, within a decade came the second wave of destruction: the launch of digital technology, with Sky again taking the lead.

The Guardian

Only rainfall, the lake, and stretches of unbuilt lots on the North Side finally halted the wave of destruction a full day after it started.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

In some sense it is surprising that any Judaic books have survived these waves of destruction.

Columbia University

As I write, waves of destruction are heading across the Pacific towards Hawaii and beyond.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ruins carpeted the city market, rippling outwards in waves of destruction.

The Guardian

Because neither Mr. Assad nor the rebels are strong enough to win, the battle lines push back and forth, rolling across communities in waves of destruction that kill thousands but accomplish little else.

The New York Times

Anarchist groups dreaming of revolution played a key part in the first waves of destruction, but this week's protests were not orchestrated by the usual suspects, who relish a good bust-up and a whiff of teargas.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wave of destruction" to vividly describe events or periods marked by significant damage, whether physical, economic, or social. It is particularly effective when conveying a sense of overwhelming force and widespread impact.

Common error

Avoid using "wave of destruction" excessively, as it can become cliché. Opt for more specific and descriptive language when appropriate to maintain the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wave of destruction" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a period or event characterized by widespread damage and devastation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wave of destruction" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to depict substantial devastation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media sources. While effective for conveying the magnitude of damage, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives such as "surge of devastation" or "trail of devastation" to maintain impact. The phrase serves to vividly illustrate situations marked by considerable destruction, whether literal or metaphorical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surge of devastation

Replaces "wave" with "surge", implying a sudden and powerful increase in devastation.

onslaught of ruin

Substitutes "wave" with "onslaught" and "destruction" with "ruin", suggesting a forceful and overwhelming attack leading to decay.

trail of devastation

Changes "wave" to "trail", emphasizing the aftermath and path left by the destructive force.

period of calamity

Replaces the metaphorical "wave" with a more direct reference to a time of disaster.

series of catastrophes

Emphasizes multiple events contributing to widespread destruction.

era of devastation

Highlights the temporal aspect, portraying destruction as a defining characteristic of an era.

time of upheaval

Focuses on the disruptive and chaotic nature of the destructive event.

tide of annihilation

Uses "tide" instead of "wave" and "annihilation" for "destruction", creating a stronger sense of complete obliteration.

cataclysm of ruin

Highlights the sudden and violent nature of the destructive event.

maelstrom of chaos

Implies a swirling, turbulent situation characterized by complete disorder and destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "wave of destruction" in a sentence?

You can use "wave of destruction" to describe a large-scale event or phenomenon that causes significant damage or devastation. For example: "The hurricane swept through the coastal town, leaving a "wave of destruction" in its wake."

What can I say instead of "wave of destruction"?

You can use alternatives like "surge of devastation", "onslaught of ruin", or "trail of devastation" depending on the context.

Is "wave of destruction" an overused phrase?

While grammatically correct and widely understood, "wave of destruction" can become cliché if overused. Consider using more specific and descriptive language to maintain the impact of your writing. Alternatives such as "period of calamity" or "series of catastrophes" may offer a fresher perspective.

What is the difference between ""wave of destruction"" and "wake of destruction"?

While both phrases describe the aftermath of a destructive event, ""wave of destruction"" emphasizes the overwhelming force and immediate impact, whereas "wake of destruction" focuses on the consequences and path left behind.