a devastating occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a devastating occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that causes significant harm, distress, or destruction. Example: "The earthquake was a devastating occurrence that left the city in ruins and its residents in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Rape is a devastating occurrence.

Huffington Post

Stillbirth, the death of a baby in utero during the third trimester or during childbirth, is a devastating occurrence for families.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The most devastating occurrence was the flood of November 1966.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, the question is why and how the rupture extended southward into both seismically-inactive Segments D and E, and also the shallow trench-ward segments of the sub-duction zone, resulting in the unexpected devastating occurrence of the 2011 megathrust earthquake.

Earth, Planets and Space

Not only do funds of funds with more than 20 underlying managers begin to lose the benefit of diversification, they are also more exposed to tail risk events (or highly unlikely, devastating occurrences), according to the study, led by Stephen Brown, a finance professor at New York University's Stern School of Business.

The New York Times

A rare occurrence, deflation can have a devastating effect on a struggling economy as prices and wages fall.

The New York Times

NEW ORLEANS — In the weeks since Tulane safety Devon Walker sustained a devastating spinal injury against Tulsa, an unusual occurrence has taken place here: New Orleanians have rallied around the Tulane football program.

The New York Times - Sports

Adapted from Tom Perrotta's best-selling novel, itself a response to 9/11, The Leftovers is not really a drama about an unexplained occurrence so much as a drama about what happens to people after they experience a devastating event.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

IT IS a devastating prospect.

The Economist

Then a devastating tsunami followed.

The Economist

It was a devastating dismissal.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific event, use "a devastating occurrence" to emphasize its destructive impact and the widespread suffering it caused.

Common error

Avoid using "a devastating occurrence" for minor inconveniences or setbacks. Reserve it for events with truly significant and widespread negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a devastating occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, where "devastating" modifies the noun "occurrence". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It is used to describe an event that causes significant harm, distress, or destruction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a devastating occurrence" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe events causing significant harm or destruction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively rare in overall usage, it finds its primary contexts in news, encyclopedias, and scientific reporting. The phrase serves to emphasize the severe negative impact of an event, making it suitable for formal and serious communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a calamitous event

Emphasizes the disastrous and unfortunate nature of the event.

a tragic incident

Focuses on the sorrowful and lamentable aspect of the event.

a catastrophic event

Highlights the scale and severity of the disaster.

a destructive episode

Stresses the damage and ruin caused by the event.

a ruinous affair

Implies a severe and detrimental impact on those involved.

a crushing blow

Highlights the demoralizing and overwhelming impact of the event.

a heartbreaking experience

Emphasizes the emotional pain and sorrow caused by the event.

a grievous setback

Focuses on the hindrance and impediment caused by the event.

a dire happening

Suggests a grave and ominous nature of the occurrence.

a wretched situation

Conveys the miserable and unfortunate circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "a devastating occurrence" in a sentence?

You can use "a devastating occurrence" to describe events that cause significant harm or destruction. For instance, "The hurricane was "a devastating occurrence" that destroyed many homes".

What phrases can I use instead of "a devastating occurrence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a tragic event", "a calamitous event", or "a catastrophic incident" depending on the specific context and the level of impact you wish to convey.

Is "a devastating occurrence" too dramatic for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a devastating occurrence" is quite formal and best suited for serious or formal contexts. In casual conversation, you might opt for a simpler expression like "a tragedy" or "a disaster".

What differentiates "a devastating occurrence" from "a significant event"?

"A significant event" simply highlights importance, while "a devastating occurrence" emphasizes the destructive and harmful nature of an event. The former is neutral; the latter is highly negative.