were wiped out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were wiped out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been completely destroyed or eliminated. Example: "After the hurricane, many coastal towns were wiped out, leaving behind only debris."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bonds were wiped out in 2008.

The New York Times

Those penalties were wiped out yesterday.

The New York Times - Sports

Thousands were wiped out by disease and starvation.

The New Yorker

Entire subdivisions in the Rockies were wiped out by wildfire.

The New York Times

They were wiped out by Solidarity and its allies.

Independent

"By 10 15 we were wiped out," Zerott said.

The New York Times - Sports

His pears and cherries were wiped out entirely.

The New York Times

Hunting grounds near North America were wiped out by the early 19th century.

The New York Times

Or did they diversify only after dinosaurs were wiped out some 65 million years ago?

The New York Times

Tribes were wiped out by disease and massacres; languages and songs were obliterated.

The New Yorker

In Ireland, those types of bondholders were wiped out when Irish banks were recapitalized.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "were wiped out" with synonyms such as "were destroyed", "were annihilated", or "were eliminated" based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Common error

While "were wiped out" is acceptable, be mindful of its dramatic tone in informal settings. Opt for more casual alternatives like "were removed" or "disappeared" in everyday conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were wiped out" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent an action resulting in their complete removal or destruction. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were wiped out" is a passive verb phrase widely used to describe a state of complete destruction or elimination. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it’s essential to consider the dramatic tone, especially in informal settings. Alternatives such as "were destroyed" or "were eliminated" can provide nuanced substitutions depending on the context. Remember to clarify what exactly "were wiped out" to ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were annihilated

Emphasizes complete destruction or obliteration.

were obliterated

Similar to annihilated, suggesting complete destruction to the point of being unrecognizable.

were eradicated

Focuses on the complete removal or elimination of something, often used for diseases or pests.

were eliminated

Highlights the removal or termination of something, either physically or figuratively.

were destroyed

A general term for causing something to be irreparable damage or cease to exist.

were decimated

Implies a severe reduction in number or strength, often by a significant percentage.

were extinguished

Suggests a complete and final ending, like a flame being put out.

were vanquished

Highlights a decisive defeat, often in a conflict or competition.

were defeated

Focuses on being overcome or beaten in a struggle or competition.

were terminated

Emphasizes the ending or cessation of something, often used in a formal or official context.

FAQs

How can I use "were wiped out" in a sentence?

You can use "were wiped out" to describe something that has been completely destroyed or eliminated. For example, "Entire villages "were wiped out" by the flood" or "The company's profits "were wiped out" by the recession".

What can I say instead of "were wiped out"?

You can use alternatives like "were destroyed", "were eliminated", or "were annihilated" depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance of destruction or elimination.

Is "were wiped out" formal or informal?

"Were wiped out" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's often used in news and media to describe significant events. Consider your audience and the tone you want to convey when choosing this phrase.

What's the difference between "were wiped out" and "were eliminated"?

While both indicate removal, "were wiped out" suggests a more complete or devastating removal. "Were eliminated" might imply a more controlled or gradual removal, whereas "were wiped out" suggests a more sudden or forceful end.