Had a devastating effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Had a devastating effect" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant negative impact or consequence of an event or action. Example: "The hurricane had a devastating effect on the coastal community, leaving many families homeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The impasse had a devastating effect.

The New York Times

"It had a devastating effect.

The Guardian - Books

The explosion had a devastating effect.

The Guardian

But El Niño had a devastating effect.

The Guardian - Travel

Taken together it's had a devastating effect".

The Guardian

This has had a devastating effect on retirement policy".

The New York Times

The attack has had a devastating effect on Lower Manhattan.

The New York Times

The Great Recession of 2008 had a devastating effect on the world economy.

Columbia University

Explorers and settlers brought with them diseases that had a devastating effect on Native American populations.

Britannica

And this alienation had a devastating effect on his formerly prolific creative ability.

Britannica

I can tell you it has had a devastating effect on the authority as a whole.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had a devastating effect", ensure the context clearly establishes what event or situation caused the devastation. Provide specific details to illustrate the extent and nature of the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "had a devastating effect" as a generic intensifier. Ensure that the situation genuinely warrants such strong language and that you provide concrete evidence of the devastation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a devastating effect" functions as a verb phrase expressing the result or consequence of a preceding action or event. Ludwig shows many instances where it links a cause (e.g. a natural disaster, policy change) to a severe negative outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "had a devastating effect" is used to describe events or situations that have caused significant negative consequences. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and very common. Analysis of usage patterns reveals it's frequently used in "News & Media", but also appears in academic and encyclopedia contexts. To ensure impactful writing, provide specific details to emphasize the extent of devastation. While alternatives like "caused immense damage" or "led to catastrophic consequences" exist, "had a devastating effect" appropriately describes severe situations. Always consider the context to appropriately use the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

caused immense damage

Focuses on the physical damage caused.

led to catastrophic consequences

Highlights the disastrous results.

resulted in widespread destruction

Emphasizes the breadth of the destruction.

inflicted severe harm

Focuses on the harm caused.

brought about ruin

Implies total destruction or failure.

precipitated a crisis

Highlights the creation of a critical situation.

created havoc

Emphasizes disorder and confusion.

exacted a heavy toll

Focuses on the cost or sacrifice involved.

wreaked havoc

Implies widespread destruction and disorder.

dealt a crushing blow

Highlights the severity of the impact.

FAQs

How can I use "had a devastating effect" in a sentence?

Use "had a devastating effect" to describe the severe negative consequences of an event or action. For example, "The economic downturn "had a devastating effect" on small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "had a devastating effect"?

You can use alternatives such as "caused immense damage", "led to catastrophic consequences", or "resulted in widespread destruction" depending on the specific context. These alternatives offer different nuances while conveying a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "had a devastating effect" in formal writing?

Yes, "had a devastating effect" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a severe negative impact. However, ensure the severity is justified and substantiated with details.

What's the difference between "had a devastating effect" and "had a significant impact"?

"Had a devastating effect" implies a much greater level of damage or negative consequences than "had a significant impact". Use "had a devastating effect" only when the situation is truly catastrophic or ruinous.