as devastating as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as devastating as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make a comparison, typically to emphasize the severity or impact of something in relation to another situation or event. Example: "The news of the disaster was as devastating as the loss of a loved one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ms. Spacek's performance is as devastating as it is unflashy.

The New York Times

Suicide bombings have become as frequent and as devastating as in Kandahar or Baghdad.

Independent

Hurricane Sandy was as devastating as meteorologists and political leaders had predicted.

The New York Times

A winter freeze can be as devastating as a new landlord.

The New York Times

"It has never faced a disaster as devastating as what we experienced last night".

The New York Times

As for the film itself, it felt as devastating as ever.

The New Yorker

Does a disease as devastating as Alzheimer's change the rules of relationships?

The New York Times

The impact of this archival clip was as devastating as it was unexpected.

The New York Times

The book ends with a sentence that is as devastating as it is inevitable.

The New York Times - Books

But psychological factors can be as devastating as the physical trauma, Dr. Tinetti said.

The New York Times

"What happened afterwards was as devastating as what happened on the day".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as devastating as" to draw a strong comparison, ensuring the items being compared share a common attribute of destructiveness or severity. For example, "The economic impact of the pandemic was as devastating as a major war".

Common error

Avoid using "as devastating as" in contexts where the impact is only mildly negative. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility. Choose a less dramatic comparison when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as devastating as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It serves to emphasize the magnitude and severity of something by directly comparing it to another event, situation, or entity that is known for its destructive impact. Ludwig's examples confirm its prevalent use in drawing parallels between impactful events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as devastating as" is a comparative phrase used to emphasize the severity of something by comparing it to another significantly destructive event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, formal business, and scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "as catastrophic as" or "as damaging as" can provide variety, but "as devastating as" remains a potent and widely recognized expression for conveying profound impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as catastrophic as

Emphasizes the sudden and widespread nature of the disaster.

as calamitous as

Similar to 'catastrophic' but often implies a more prolonged period of suffering.

as damaging as

Highlights the extent of harm inflicted, whether physical or abstract.

as ruinous as

Emphasizes the destructive consequences in a way that directly implies severe damage.

as terrible as

A general term for something extremely bad or unpleasant; less precise than "devastating".

as severe as

Focuses on the intensity or seriousness of the situation.

as shocking as

Focuses on the element of surprise and disbelief caused by something extremely negative.

as staggering as

Indicates an overwhelming impact, often in terms of numbers or scale.

as crushing as

Highlights the emotional impact and the feeling of being overwhelmed by grief or loss.

as appalling as

Conveys a sense of outrage and moral repugnance, focusing on the ethical dimension of the devastation.

FAQs

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

Use "as devastating as" to compare two events or situations that have a similarly destructive or damaging impact. For example, "The hurricane's impact was "as devastating as" the earthquake ten years prior".

What can I say instead of "as devastating as"?

You can use alternatives like "as catastrophic as", "as damaging as", or "as ruinous as" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "as devastating as" in a formal context?

Yes, "as devastating as" is suitable for formal contexts, especially when describing events or situations with significant negative consequences. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the writing.

What's the difference between "as devastating as" and "as unfortunate as"?

"As devastating as" implies a high degree of destruction or damage, while "as unfortunate as" suggests bad luck or disappointment without necessarily involving widespread harm. Choose the phrase that best reflects the severity of the situation.