all the more devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all the more devastating" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the intensity or severity of something, often in a context where a situation is already serious or impactful. Example: "The news of the disaster was shocking, but the loss of life made it all the more devastating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts & Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

His optimism has made this setback all the more devastating.

The New York Times - Sports

When she did, it was all the more devastating.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He attacked the strike zone relentlessly then, making his secondary pitches all the more devastating.

The New York Times - Sports

That he delivers it with rigor, restraint and good humor makes his case all the more devastating.

The New York Times

The strike was all the more devastating, as the bomber did not choose the most obvious target: a meeting under way of local leaders of the new militia.

The New York Times

"There's a real technical cleverness to what she does; she's also very funny, an acute observer of social ridiculousness, which makes the small flares of emotion all the more devastating".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

The larger these group facilities were, the more devastating they turned out to be.

Plosone

This makes the immutable truth about noise-induced hearing loss that, once a person's hair cells (the sensory receptors of the inner ear, which are responsible for detecting sound waves) are damaged, there's no pill or procedure that will reverse the affliction all the more devastating.

The New Yorker

But they must abandon all this comforting claptrap about fear being Mr Bush's friend and start to focus on the much more devastating truth.

The Economist

It was a huge change and made all the more difficult when he was given the most devastating news.

The Guardian - Sport

LONDON — Sometimes, the aftermath is more devastating than the storm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all the more devastating" to amplify the emotional impact of an already negative situation. Ensure the context has already established a sense of loss or harm to make the phrase effective.

Common error

Avoid using "all the more devastating" in situations that are only mildly upsetting or inconvenient. Save it for scenarios where genuine and significant distress is involved to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all the more devastating" functions as an intensifier, modifying an adjective to amplify its meaning. It is typically used to emphasize the emotional or impactful severity of a situation or event. Ludwig's examples show how it strengthens descriptions of loss, disappointment, and tragedy.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts & Entertainment

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "all the more devastating" is a grammatically sound and useful intensifier to emphasize the severity of a negative situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and creative writing. While not exceedingly common, it adds significant emotional weight when employed effectively. When writing, be mindful of overusing the phrase, especially in less serious situations, to maintain its desired impact. Consider alternatives like "even more crushing" or "all the more tragic" to add more nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even more crushing

Replaces "devastating" with a synonym emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the impact.

all the more tragic

Substitutes "devastating" with "tragic", focusing on the sorrowful aspect of the event.

that much more ruinous

Emphasizes the destructive consequences, swapping "devastating" for "ruinous".

considerably more damaging

Focuses on the harm caused, offering a less emotionally charged alternative.

far more heartbreaking

Highlights the emotional pain, replacing "devastating" with "heartbreaking".

infinitely more painful

Uses "painful" to describe the intensity of the experience, which can refer to emotional or physical suffering.

that much more catastrophic

Replace the original expression by "catastrophic", focusing on a disaster or great misfortune.

that much more grievous

Replace the original expression by "grievous", focusing on something severe or serious.

even more severe

Replace the original expression by "severe", focusing on something strict or harsh.

all the greater blow

Emphasizes the impact as a significant setback or disappointment, using a more figurative expression.

FAQs

How can I use "all the more devastating" in a sentence?

Use "all the more devastating" to emphasize the intensity or severity of a negative event or situation. For example: "The initial loss was difficult, but the betrayal made it "all the more devastating".

What phrases are similar to "all the more devastating"?

Similar phrases include "even more crushing", "all the more tragic", or "far more heartbreaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "all the more devastating" in formal writing?

Yes, "all the more devastating" can be used in formal writing, particularly when describing events or situations with significant negative consequences. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits the overall context.

What's the difference between "all the more devastating" and "more devastating"?

"All the more devastating" implies a preceding factor that amplifies the devastation, whereas "more devastating" simply indicates a higher degree of devastation compared to something else. For example, "The flood was devastating, but the subsequent outbreak of disease made it all the more devastating".