are devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are devastating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes severe emotional or physical harm or destruction. Example: "The recent natural disasters are devastating to the communities affected, leaving many without homes or resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Collectively, they are devastating".

The New York Times

They are devastating the island".

The New York Times

Its results are devastating.

The Guardian - Opinion

These figures are devastating.

The Guardian

The words are devastating".

The New York Times

The passages are devastating.

The New Yorker

Riots are devastating to individuals.

The Guardian

"The consequences are devastating," she says.

The Economist

"The things Romney is saying are devastating".

The New York Times

The results, released this month, are devastating.

The New York Times

The consequences of his actions are devastating.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose of your writing when using "are devastating". It is suitable for formal reports, news articles, and academic papers where a strong, impactful expression is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "are devastating" in situations that don't warrant such a strong term. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Opt for milder terms like "are unfortunate" or "are challenging" when the situation isn't truly catastrophic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are devastating" functions as a linking verb plus a predicate adjective. It connects the subject to a description of its state or condition, emphasizing the severe negative impact or destructive nature of something. Ludwig examples support this, showing varied subjects linked to this strong adjective phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are devastating" is a powerful expression used to emphasize the severe and destructive impact of events or situations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business. While versatile, it’s important to reserve its use for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong term to avoid diluting its impact. Remember to tailor your word choice to match the severity of the situation, opting for alternatives like "are catastrophic" or "are ruinous" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are catastrophic

Emphasizes the sudden and widespread nature of the disaster or damage.

are ruinous

Focuses on the complete destruction and inability to recover.

are calamitous

Highlights the disastrous and unfortunate nature of the events.

are destructive

Stresses the act of destroying or causing damage.

are exceedingly damaging

Highlights the extent of the harm caused.

are terribly harmful

Emphasizes the detrimental effects and negative impact.

are supremely damaging

Emphasizes a very high level of damage caused.

are immensely harmful

Highlights the vast and substantial harm inflicted.

are severely detrimental

Focuses on the serious and long-lasting adverse effects.

are utterly destructive

Emphasizes the complete and total destruction.

FAQs

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

Use "are devastating" to describe situations or events that cause significant damage or emotional distress. For example, "The effects of the hurricane "are devastating", leaving many homeless."

What phrases can I use instead of "are devastating"?

You can use alternatives like "are catastrophic", "are ruinous", or "are destructive" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are devastating" or "is devastating"?

"Are devastating" is used with plural subjects, while "is devastating" is used with singular subjects. For example, "The consequences "are devastating"" (plural) versus "The impact "is devastating"" (singular).

What's the difference between "are devastating" and "are disappointing"?

"Are devastating" implies severe damage or distress, while "are disappointing" indicates a failure to meet expectations. The former is much stronger and should be reserved for truly serious situations.