a state of devastation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a state of devastation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or situation where there is significant destruction or ruin, often following a disaster or catastrophic event. Example: "After the hurricane passed, the town was left in a state of devastation, with homes destroyed and lives disrupted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"The city of New Orleans is in a state of devastation," he said on local television.

The Guardian

Four years ago, the ravine was closed to the public; it was in a state of devastation, and the 90-acre forest surrounding it was dying.

The New York Times

He began a paper on the subject with a quote from the 19th-century English economist John Stuart Mill, who wondered at "the great rapidity with which countries recover from a state of devastation".

The New York Times

The reciprocal association between natural and manmade disasters and growth of economies was first described by Mill (1848, p. 74 75): "What has so often excited wonder [is] the great rapidity with which countries recover from a state of devastation; the disappearance, in a short time, of all traces of the mischiefs done by earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and the ravages of war.

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

"Four decades after the U.S. left this country in a state of devastation and ruin, the Vietnamese have recovered impressively," said U.S. Army veteran Chuck Searcy, who served in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I woke up Wednesday in a state of profound devastation.

Huffington Post

Ralf, who we'd all stopped looking at, trundled back to his chair in a state of emotional devastation.

Vice

Many people I meet have imagined me in a state of pure devastation and distress at my diagnosis.

Huffington Post

Rumours floated that there were plans afoot to close the entire operation – a decision that would have thrown nearby Swansea, Llanelli, Neath, Bridgend, Newport and Ebbw Vale into a state of economic devastation, as well as Port Talbot itself.

Vice

Much of Japan's industry seemed to remain in a state of suspension Wednesday, as the devastation from an earthquake and tsunami, combined with fear and uncertainty over the nuclear calamity, made it difficult for corporate Japan to think about business as usual.

The New York Times

Two years later, on Sept. 14, 2001, we left New York in its state of devastation and traveled to Solomons Island, Md., on the Chesapeake, where we moved aboard Arrow, our newly purchased 47-foot sloop-rigged sailboat designed by the naval architect team of Sparkman & Stephens.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a state of devastation", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause and scope of the destruction. Be specific about what has been devastated.

Common error

Avoid using "a state of devastation" for minor setbacks or inconveniences. Reserve it for situations involving significant and widespread destruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state of devastation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. It describes a condition or situation characterized by significant destruction and ruin. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a state of devastation" is a noun phrase used to describe conditions of severe destruction, commonly found in news, scientific, and formal contexts. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically sound, though relatively rare in occurrence. Related phrases include "a condition of ruin" and "utter destruction". When writing, use it to accurately convey significant damage and avoid overuse in mild situations. While the phrase is applicable, remember to be specific about the cause and scope of destruction that justifies its use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a condition of ruin

Emphasizes the irreparable damage and decay of something.

a situation of destruction

Focuses on the act of destroying and the resulting circumstances.

a scene of destruction

Highlights the visual aspect of widespread damage.

a condition of collapse

Indicates a sudden failure or breakdown.

a state of ruin

Similar to "a condition of ruin" but emphasizes the process of decay.

utter destruction

Highlights the completeness of the damage.

widespread damage

Emphasizes the extent and reach of the destruction.

economic collapse

Refers specifically to the downfall of an economy.

emotional turmoil

Shifts the focus to internal, emotional distress.

total annihilation

Implies complete obliteration or eradication.

FAQs

How can I use "a state of devastation" in a sentence?

Use "a state of devastation" to describe situations of extreme destruction, such as "After the earthquake, the city was in "a state of devastation"".

What's a good alternative to "a state of devastation"?

Alternatives include "a condition of ruin" or "utter destruction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a state of devastation" to describe emotional distress?

While primarily used for physical destruction, you can use phrases like "emotional turmoil" to describe intense emotional distress.

Which is more accurate: "a state of devastation" or "a scene of destruction"?

"A state of devastation" refers to the overall condition, while "a scene of destruction" refers to a specific visual representation of the damage.