A devastating blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A devastating blow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant setback or hardship, often in contexts such as sports, personal experiences, or news events. Example: "The team's loss in the championship game was a devastating blow to their hopes of winning the title."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A devastating blow to Sendero's combative spirit was delivered by Guzman himself.

Los Angeles Times

In 1985 Lindsay contracted leukaemia, and died, a devastating blow.

The Guardian

Union leaders called the news a devastating blow for staff.

The Guardian - Business

His season was over before it even began, a devastating blow to the Angels' middling offense.

The New York Times

Finally, the time comes for him to get married, and this deals Charu a devastating blow.

The New Yorker

So, does any of this sound like a devastating blow to seniors' health care?

The New York Times

This book delivers a devastating blow to the former President's reputation.

Forbes

And he could help Clinton carry Ohio, a devastating blow to Trump.

HuffPost

This was a devastating blow.

The New York Times

It was a devastating blow.

Independent

It's a devastating blow".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a devastating blow" to vividly describe a setback that has significant negative consequences, especially when aiming for emotional impact. For example, "The closure of the factory was "a devastating blow" to the local economy".

Common error

Avoid using "a devastating blow" for minor inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for situations with genuinely serious and far-reaching consequences to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a devastating blow" functions as a noun phrase that describes a significantly negative event or setback. Ludwig's examples show the phrase is used to characterize events that cause considerable damage, loss, or disappointment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a devastating blow" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant setback or event with profoundly negative consequences. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to emphasize the severity of such events, frequently in contexts such as news and media. When using this phrase, reserve it for situations that warrant a strong emotional impact, avoiding overuse in trivial situations. Consider alternatives like "crushing setback" or "severe calamity" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A crushing setback

Emphasizes the completeness and demoralizing effect of the setback.

A severe calamity

Highlights the disastrous and unfortunate nature of the event.

A major catastrophe

Focuses on the scale and impact of the disaster.

A significant tragedy

Emphasizes the sorrowful and lamentable aspect of the event.

A crippling setback

Suggests that the setback severely weakens or disables the affected entity.

A fatal setback

Indicates a setback that leads to failure or collapse.

A terrible misfortune

Highlights the unfortunate and adverse nature of the event.

A damaging event

Focuses on the harmful consequences resulting from the occurrence.

A destructive occurrence

Emphasizes the ruinous and devastating nature of the event.

A grave reverse

Highlights the serious and unfavorable nature of the setback.

FAQs

How to use "a devastating blow" in a sentence?

You can use "a devastating blow" to describe events causing significant damage or loss, such as "The hurricane was "a devastating blow" to the coastal communities".

What can I say instead of "a devastating blow"?

You can use alternatives like "crushing setback", "severe calamity", or "major catastrophe" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a devastating blow" or "a devastating hit"?

"A devastating blow" is the more common and idiomatic phrase. "A devastating hit" can also be used, but it is less frequent and may sound less natural in certain contexts.

What's the difference between "a devastating blow" and "a significant setback"?

"A devastating blow" implies a more severe and emotionally impactful event compared to "significant setback", which is a more neutral term for a hindrance or delay.