complete devastation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete devastation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has been entirely destroyed or rendered unusable, often in a dramatic or severe context. Example: "The hurricane caused complete devastation to the coastal town, leaving many residents homeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Complete devastation".

The New York Times

It's pretty much complete devastation".

The Guardian

It was such complete devastation".

The Guardian

"It's just complete devastation," he said.

The New York Times

"After the storm, it was complete devastation.

The New Yorker

It was just complete devastation," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I just anticipate feelings that inspired these works of mine, which is complete and utter devastation," said Mr. Scearce, 41. "I'm going to be by myself.

The New York Times

Chile's earthquake barely made the news, whilst Nepal's has brought complete and utter devastation.

BBC

In other words, complete and utter devastation.

Vice

Utter devastation.

Vice

"This is utter devastation".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete devastation" to emphasize the totality of destruction, ensuring that the context supports such a strong assertion. Avoid using it for minor damage or easily repairable situations.

Common error

Avoid using "complete devastation" when describing situations that are merely damaged or partially destroyed. This phrase is most effective when the destruction is total and irreversible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete devastation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a sentence or prepositional phrase. It describes a state of total destruction or ruin, emphasizing the thoroughness and extent of the damage. Ludwig examples show it's often used after verbs like 'cause' or 'witness'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complete devastation" is a powerful noun phrase used to describe situations of total ruin and destruction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news reports, scientific analyses, and formal descriptions. Its primary function is to emphasize the magnitude and severity of damage, evoking a strong emotional response. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase accurately, avoiding overstatement and ensuring that the context aligns with the totality it implies. Alternatives like "total destruction" or "utter ruin" can be considered based on the specific nuance needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total destruction

Emphasizes the absolute nature of the destruction.

utter ruin

Highlights the irreparable damage and decay.

absolute desolation

Focuses on the emptiness and barrenness left behind.

wholesale destruction

Stresses the widespread and indiscriminate nature of the destruction.

widespread destruction

Highlights that damage has occurred over a wide area.

total annihilation

Implies a complete and irreversible end.

catastrophic destruction

Emphasizes the disastrous scale of the damage.

severe ruination

Focuses on the intensity and degree of decay.

extensive wreckage

Highlights the scattered remains and debris.

irreparable damage

Emphasizes the impossibility of repair or restoration.

FAQs

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

You can use "complete devastation" to describe scenarios where something has been entirely destroyed or ruined. For instance, "The earthquake caused "complete devastation" in the city center".

What words are similar to "complete devastation"?

Alternatives include "total destruction", "utter ruin", or "absolute desolation". Each emphasizes a different aspect of the destruction.

Is it appropriate to use "complete devastation" in formal writing?

Yes, "complete devastation" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a scene of total destruction, but it's crucial to ensure the context justifies such a strong term. It can also be adapted in professional/business writing if used to describe a metaphoric devastation.

What's the difference between "complete devastation" and "significant damage"?

"Complete devastation" implies total ruin and irreparable damage, whereas "significant damage" suggests substantial but not necessarily irreversible harm. The choice depends on the degree of destruction you want to convey.