devastated by

USAGE SUMMARY

"devastated by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone or something feeling very saddened, disappointed, or shocked by something that has happened. For example: "Sam was devastated by the news that his family was moving to a new city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"In fact, I'm devastated by it.

Independent

I've been devastated by the loss.

The New Yorker

Una is clearly devastated by their rejection.

The New Yorker

"I'm devastated by what's happened".

The New York Times - Arts

The people of Pakistan, devastated by floods?

The Guardian - Opinion

Chunky is absolutely devastated by the news".

The Guardian - Sport

Families have been devastated by job losses.

The New York Times

"I am personally devastated by these allegations.

The New York Times

He said he was "devastated by remorse".

The Guardian

"I feel devastated by this," he said.

The New York Times

"She is devastated by this terrible situation".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devastated by", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the devastation and who or what is affected. This provides clarity and emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "devastated by" for minor inconveniences or trivial matters. Overusing strong language diminishes its impact when describing truly significant events or emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devastated by" functions as a passive adjectival phrase, describing the state of being overwhelmed or severely affected by something. Ludwig's examples show its common usage in expressing strong emotional impact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devastated by" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to express a state of being overwhelmed by extreme sadness, shock, or ruin. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, it should be reserved for significant negative events or emotions to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "crushed by" or "heartbroken over" can offer nuances in meaning. Using "devastated by" appropriately ensures clarity and effectively conveys the depth of the emotional or physical impact being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crushed by

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed and emotionally broken by something.

shattered by

Highlights the feeling of being broken into pieces or severely damaged emotionally.

overwhelmed by grief

Specifically focuses on the feeling of intense sorrow and being unable to cope.

heartbroken over

Emphasizes the feeling of profound sadness and emotional pain, often related to loss or disappointment.

deeply saddened by

A more formal and restrained way of expressing great sorrow.

distraught over

Highlights the state of extreme agitation and emotional distress.

utterly dismayed by

Conveys a feeling of shock and disappointment, often due to something unexpected.

emotionally wrecked by

More informal and emphasizes the complete destruction of one's emotional state.

ravaged by

Similar in meaning, but can also suggest a more physical form of devastation, such as by a natural disaster.

left in ruins by

Focuses on the destructive aftermath and the feeling of being left with nothing.

FAQs

How can I use "devastated by" in a sentence?

You can use "devastated by" to express extreme sadness or shock caused by something. For example, "She was devastated by the news of the accident".

What are some alternatives to saying "devastated by"?

Alternatives include "crushed by", "shattered by", or "heartbroken over", depending on the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "devastated by" in formal writing?

Yes, "devastated by" is appropriate for formal writing when describing genuinely significant negative events or emotional impacts. However, consider alternatives like "deeply saddened by" for more restrained contexts.

Can "devastated by" refer to physical destruction as well as emotional impact?

Yes, although it's primarily used for emotional impact, "devastated by" can also describe physical destruction. For example, "The town was devastated by the hurricane."