"The houses were destroyed by the flood." vs "The houses were destroyed in the flood."

Question

"The houses were destroyed by the flood." vs "The houses were destroyed in the flood."

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning, but there is a slight difference in emphasis. 'Destroyed by the flood' emphasizes the cause of the destruction, while 'destroyed in the flood' focuses more on the event itself.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase indicates that the flood was the cause of the destruction of the houses.

Examples:

The houses were destroyed by the flood, leaving many families homeless.
Most of the buildings were destroyed by the flood.

Alternatives:

the houses were destroyed as a result of the flood.
the flood destroyed the houses.

This phrase indicates that the destruction of the houses occurred during the flood.

Examples:

The houses were destroyed in the flood, swept away by the rushing waters.
Many belongings were lost when the houses were destroyed in the flood.

Alternatives:

the houses were destroyed during the flood.
the flood caused the destruction of the houses.

Answer 1

The houses were destroyed by the flood.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

The houses were destroyed in the flood.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"The houses were destroyed by the flood." vs "The houses were destroyed in the flood."

The houses were destroyed by the flood.

The houses were destroyed in the flood.

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