as devastating as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as devastating as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to acknowledge the severity or impact of a situation while introducing a contrasting idea or perspective. Example: "As devastating as it is, we must find a way to move forward and rebuild."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Books

Such a technical approach may not be appreciated should the Eagles struggle against the pass, but Asomugha's expertise in disrupting an offense is as devastating as it is minimalist.

The New York Times - Sports

Transparent is as devastating as it is moving.

Huffington Post

AS devastating as it is to hear about the global financial crisis, to watch institutions collapse and investors panic, it's not exactly a picnic out here on the sidelines.

The New York Times

As devastating as it is to consider, it looks like the ride is over.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

His forehand may not be as devastating as it was, but his serve remains criminally under-rated, his movement is still near-perfect and when he is on, he makes the game look simple, which it really isn't.

The Guardian - Sport

He felt that it worked "pretty well" and there was a lot to appreciate about it, and while he noted that "the episode isn't quite good enough for the conclusion to be as devastating as it should be", he still praised the tragic ending.

Wikipedia

Observers said that the relatively better shape of Czech Republic, compared with the likes of Hungary, Romania or Baltic nations such as Latvia, means that political instability will not be as devastating as it has been in those countries, where massive stimulus packages and IMF aid has been needed to stabilize the situation.

Forbes

But over half of my life has been defined and ruled by this insidious illness, and as devastating as it has been, it has ultimately changed my life in a way for which I can only be thankful.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as devastating as it is" to introduce a contrasting point or a glimmer of hope following bad news. It acknowledges the seriousness of a situation while setting the stage for a more balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "as devastating as it is" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, vary your sentence structure and vocabulary by incorporating synonyms or rephrasing your ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as devastating as it is" functions as an adverbial clause of concession. It acknowledges the intensity or severity of a situation while setting up a contrasting or qualifying statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as devastating as it is" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase used to acknowledge a dire situation before introducing a contrasting element. Ludwig AI underlines its appropriateness for general writing and reports as confirmed by the field aiResponseStatus. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources. Consider it a neutral to slightly formal expression. To avoid monotony, consider related phrases such as "however tragic it may be" and others. Finally, overuse of this phrase can weaken its effect, so vary your sentence structure for better writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however tragic it may be

Replaces "devastating" with "tragic" focusing on sorrow, with the addition of "however" to soften the blow.

despite its heartbreaking nature

Emphasizes the emotional impact with "heartbreaking" and uses "despite" to introduce a contrast.

even with its catastrophic effect

Uses a stronger term, "catastrophic", and highlights the effect rather than the feeling.

acknowledging its severe impact

More formal and emphasizes the impact's severity, omitting the contrasting element.

recognizing its profound damage

Similar to the above, but replaces "impact" with "damage" focusing on the negative outcome.

for all its destructiveness

Highlights the destructive nature, less focused on emotional impact.

as unfortunate as the situation is

Softens the emotional impact, focusing on the unfortunate nature of the situation.

while understanding the severity

More about understanding, less about feeling.

in light of its ruinous consequences

Formal and emphasizes the ruinous aspect.

notwithstanding its damaging results

Formal; focuses on the damaging results.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as devastating as it is" is used to acknowledge a severe negative impact, usually followed by a contrasting element or shift in perspective. For example, "As devastating as it is, we must focus on rebuilding our community".

What are some alternatives to "as devastating as it is"?

You can use alternatives such as "however tragic it may be", "despite its heartbreaking nature", or "even with its catastrophic effect", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as devastating as it is" formal or informal?

"As devastating as it is" falls within a neutral to slightly formal register. It's suitable for news articles, reports, and general writing, but might be less appropriate for very casual conversation.

When is it best to use "as devastating as it is"?

Use "as devastating as it is" when you want to acknowledge a significant negative event or situation before transitioning to a more positive outlook, a solution, or a different aspect of the issue. It shows that you understand the gravity of the situation but are also looking for a way forward.