cause devastation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause devastation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or event that leads to significant destruction or severe damage. Example: "The hurricane was powerful enough to cause devastation across the entire coastal region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Wildfires cause devastation on communities, most significantly loss of life.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

Sometimes they are amateurish, but even unsophisticated attacks can cause devastation.

The Economist

Defreitas had testified that his tape-recorded plans to cause devastation were just empty talk.

The New Yorker

Opening the boot, he finds what the police feared most: four mortar bombs primed to cause devastation.

Independent

Authorities say last August provides an example of how a powerful batch of drugs can quickly cause devastation.

The Washington Post

The hard rock transmits the energy of the earthquake longer distances, he said, even if the quake does not cause devastation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The first drug war caused devastation enough.

The Economist

It has caused devastation for families.

The Guardian

In response, Israeli tanks invaded eight Palestinian towns, causing devastation.

The Economist

"Demand during this period was strong, and imports caused devastation".

The New York Times

In 2002 another typhoon struck Guam; it caused devastation across the island and left thousands homeless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts or events, using "cause devastation" can effectively convey the severity of the impact. For instance, "Economic policies can cause devastation in vulnerable communities."

Common error

Avoid using "cause devastation" when describing minor inconveniences or insignificant damage. This phrase should be reserved for situations involving substantial destruction or suffering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause devastation" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" is the verb and "devastation" is the noun acting as the direct object. This implies an action that leads to significant destruction or damage. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Science & Research

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause devastation" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey severe damage or destruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the gravity of a situation across various contexts, from natural disasters to the consequences of policy decisions. While alternatives like "wreak havoc" or "inflict damage" exist, "cause devastation" is particularly suitable for emphasizing the extensive and detrimental impact of an event. It's most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific publications, reflecting its role in accurately portraying significant harm. Remember to reserve this powerful phrase for situations that genuinely warrant its strong connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trigger catastrophe

Emphasizes the sudden and disastrous nature of the event.

wreak havoc

Replaces "cause devastation" with a more informal expression implying widespread disorder and damage.

create havoc

A more direct synonym for "wreak havoc", implying the creation of disorder and confusion.

bring about destruction

Employs a more formal tone, emphasizing the result of the action rather than the action itself.

generate destruction

Similar to "bring about destruction", but with a slightly less formal tone.

inflict damage

Uses a more general term for harm, reducing the intensity of the original phrase.

lead to ruin

Focuses on the ultimate negative outcome, suggesting irreversible damage.

produce ruin

Highlights the end result of the action, similar to "lead to ruin" but less suggestive of irreversibility.

spark chaos

Highlights the creation of disorder, differing slightly from the comprehensive destruction implied by "cause devastation".

initiate collapse

Focuses on a breakdown or failure, changing the emphasis from widespread destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "cause devastation" in a sentence?

Use "cause devastation" to describe situations where something leads to widespread destruction or severe damage. For example, "The flood "caused devastation" across the region".

What are some alternatives to "cause devastation"?

You can use alternatives like "wreak havoc", "inflict damage", or "bring about destruction" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "caused devastation" instead of "cause devastation"?

Yes, "caused devastation" is the past tense form and is correct when referring to something that has already happened. "Cause devastation" is used for general statements or future possibilities.

What's the difference between "cause devastation" and "create chaos"?

"Cause devastation" implies widespread destruction and damage, while "create chaos" suggests disorder and confusion. The former is more severe in its implications.