Cool MateDestroy vs We're going to blow this bridge
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Destroy
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
We're going to blow this bridge
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Destroy
| Destroy | We're going to blow this bridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈstrɔɪ/","/dɪˈstrɔɪz/","/dɪˈstrɔɪd/","/dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈstrɔɪ/","/dɪˈstrɔɪz/","/dɪˈstrɔɪd/","/dɪˈstrɔɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wɪəˈgəʊɪŋ tə bləʊ ðɪs brɪdʒ//🇺🇸 //wɪrˈɡoʊɪŋ tə bloʊ ðɪs brɪdʒ// |
| Meaning | to completely ruin or cause something to no longer exist | We will destroy this bridge. |
| Example | The storm can easily destroy buildings if it's strong enough. | In the movie, the heroes say, 'We're going to blow this bridge!' as part of their escape plan. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | completely, entirely, totally, can, could, etc., an attempt to destroy something, be capable of destroying something, be intent on destroying something, humanely, have to be destroyed | blow up, blow apart, blow open, blow away, blow the whistle |
| Antonyms | build, create, construct | - |
| Common mistakes | Using with a non-physical object, like 'destroy a feeling' - should say 'hurt' or 'damage'., Confusing with 'create' - opposite meanings but can confuse learners., Using in a passive voice incorrectly, like 'was destroyed by him' which can sound confusing. | Confused with 'blew' as past tense., Misunderstand the metaphorical meaning in non-literal contexts., Overuse in casual conversations where it's not appropriate. |
| Usage notes | Use 'destroy' when referring to causing complete damage or ruin. It's suitable in most contexts but avoid using it lightly in casual conversations to describe minor damage, as it may sound overly dramatic. | Used in informal contexts, often in military or metaphorical situations. Not suitable for formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Destroy vs We're going to blow this bridge
What's the difference between Destroy and We're going to blow this bridge?
Destroy: to completely ruin or cause something to no longer exist We're going to blow this bridge: We will destroy this bridge.
Which is more common: Destroy and We're going to blow this bridge?
Destroy is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Destroy: The storm can easily destroy buildings if it's strong enough. We're going to blow this bridge: In the movie, the heroes say, 'We're going to blow this bridge!' as part of their escape plan.
Can I use Destroy and We're going to blow this bridge interchangeably?
Not always. Destroy and We're going to blow this bridge are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.