What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
erase
Example
Please erase the whiteboard after class. [erase: verb]
Example
The government is trying to erase corruption from the country. [erase: verb]
Example
I accidentally erased all my photos from my phone. [erased: past tense]
destroy
Example
The hurricane destroyed the entire town. [destroyed: past tense]
Example
Please destroy these confidential documents after reading them. [destroy: verb]
Example
The fire destroyed the entire building. [destroyed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Destroy is more commonly used than erase in everyday language. Destroy is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while erase is more specific and limited to certain situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between erase and destroy?
Both erase and destroy can be used in formal and informal contexts, but destroy is generally considered more forceful and formal than erase.
