Guide 43 / 200 4 alternatives 2-minute read
Better ways to say “Completely destroyed”
"Destroyed" already means all of it.
i · Why avoid itTwo lines, no filler
"Destroy" is binary. Modifiers like "completely," "totally," "utterly" are intensifiers that rarely intensify. If the destruction was partial, say so. If it was total, "destroyed" covers it.
ii · Before & afterDrop-in demo
Before
The fire completely destroyed the building.
After
The fire destroyed the building.
iii · The alternatives4 ways out
- 01Destroyed neutral
the default
The storm destroyed the dock.
- 02Levelled neutral
structure-specific
The blast levelled the building.
- 03Razed formal
deliberate total destruction
The block was razed for redevelopment.
- 04Wiped out informal
more conversational
The flood wiped out the shop.
iv · Brew tipKeep this one
Reserve intensifiers for things that can meaningfully have degrees.