What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
razing
Example
The old factory was razed to make way for a new shopping center. [razed: past tense]
Example
The government is planning on razing the entire neighborhood to build a new highway. [razing: present participle]
destroying
Example
The hurricane destroyed many homes in the coastal town. [destroyed: past tense]
Example
The fire is destroying the entire forest, and firefighters are struggling to contain it. [destroying: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Destroying is more commonly used than razing in everyday language. Destroying is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while razing is less common and refers to a specific type of destruction.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between razing and destroying?
Both razing and destroying are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as news reports, legal documents, or academic writing.
