What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
destroy
Example
The hurricane destroyed the entire town. [destroy: verb]
Example
The fire destroyed all of the documents, leaving nothing salvageable. [destroyed: past participle]
wreck
Example
The children wrecked the living room while playing. [wrecked: past tense]
Example
The shipwreck was discovered off the coast after being lost for centuries. [wreck: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Destroy is more commonly used than wreck in formal contexts, such as academic or legal writing. However, wreck is more commonly used in informal contexts, such as everyday conversation or casual writing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between destroy and wreck?
Destroy is typically associated with a more formal and serious tone, while wreck is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
