were annihilated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were annihilated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone has been completely destroyed or eliminated, often in a dramatic or total manner. Example: "In the final battle, the enemy forces were annihilated, leaving no survivors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most were annihilated at Auschwitz.

The New York Times

They were annihilated with 19.3 overs remaining.

The Guardian - Sport

We were annihilated at the tackle area.

The Guardian - Sport

One by one, her friends were annihilated by the war.

The New York Times

Mainly, Newcastle were annihilated far too many times last season.

Independent

Would their eyewitness report reach the Allies before all European Jews were annihilated?

The New York Times - Books

More than 200 years ago the clans were annihilated by the English armies.

The New Yorker

The army was called in and, in under a year, the Tupas were annihilated.

The Guardian

At the ensuing scrum, however, Ireland were annihilated, and Farrell slotted the penalty.

The Guardian - Sport

The early inhabitants were annihilated during the Dorian invasion (c. 1100 c. 1000 bce).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Arsenal were annihilated with a swagger and a smile and the Brazilian forward was their tormentor once again.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "were annihilated" when you want to convey a sense of complete destruction or obliteration. It's stronger than "were destroyed" and implies nothing is left.

Common error

Avoid using "were annihilated" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or hyperbolic. Opt for more moderate terms like "were defeated" or "were ruined" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were annihilated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of being completely destroyed. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across various contexts to express total devastation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were annihilated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote complete destruction or defeat. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various writing styles. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts where emphasizing the totality of obliteration is desired. Be mindful of the intensity of the phrase, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Its presence in reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its validity as a strong, descriptive term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were destroyed

A general term for being ruined or brought to an end.

were wiped out

Implies a complete removal or eradication.

were obliterated

Suggests complete destruction, leaving no trace.

were eradicated

Implies a systematic and thorough removal.

were eliminated

Suggests a removal, often in a planned or controlled manner.

were defeated

Focuses on the act of losing in a conflict or competition.

were crushed

Suggests a forceful and decisive defeat.

were exterminated

Specifically implies the killing of an entire group or species.

were decimated

Means to reduce severely, often by a tenth, though commonly used to mean widespread destruction.

were vanquished

Implies a complete and decisive victory over an opponent.

FAQs

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

The phrase "were annihilated" is used to describe the complete destruction or defeat of something. For example: "The invading army "were annihilated" by the defending forces."

What's a more formal alternative to "were annihilated"?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "were obliterated" or "were eradicated" to maintain a serious tone.

Is "were annihilated" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "were annihilated" is a strong phrase that's best suited for situations where you want to emphasize total destruction. It might be too intense for casual writing; consider alternatives like "were destroyed".

What is the difference between "were annihilated" and "were defeated"?

"Were defeated" implies a loss in a competition or battle, while "were annihilated" suggests a complete and utter destruction. To say that forces "were annihilated" indicates nothing remains of them. "Were defeated" simply indicates loss.