devastating consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'devastating consequences' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a particularly severe outcome of an event, a decision, or a situation. For example, "The city has suffered devastating consequences due to the pandemic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A 9.1 earthquake hits the Pacific Rim, with devastating consequences.

The New York Times - Books

It blocks an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase, with devastating consequences.

The Guardian

Rainfall-induced shallow slides can evolve into debris flows that move rapidly downstream with devastating consequences.

Journal of Hydrology

Despite percutaneous drainage, the development of devastating consequences of biliary peritonitis was imminent.

Surgical Case Reports

The attacks occurred on September 11, with devastating consequences.

Huffington Post

Congenital metabolic diseases usually lead to devastating consequences.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

This would have devastating consequences.

The New Yorker

"This can have devastating consequences.

The Guardian

There are some potentially devastating consequences.

Independent

Antenatal depression (AD) can have devastating consequences.

Journal of Affective Disorders

This act of cruelty has devastating consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devastating consequences", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause-and-effect relationship. Provide specific details about what makes the consequences so severe to enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "devastating consequences" as a generic descriptor for any negative outcome. Reserve it for situations where the severity and impact are truly profound, to prevent diluting its meaning and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devastating consequences" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes the result or outcome of an action or event, emphasizing its severely negative nature. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devastating consequences" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe severely negative outcomes. As Ludwig confirms, its correctness and usability are well-established. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts, it effectively communicates the magnitude of adverse results. To enhance your writing, use the phrase when the context genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor and provide specific details to amplify its impact. Avoid overuse to maintain its significance. Alternatives include "catastrophic outcomes" and "severe repercussions", each offering slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catastrophic outcomes

Emphasizes the disastrous and ruinous nature of the results.

severe repercussions

Focuses on the serious and far-reaching effects that follow an action or event.

dire ramifications

Highlights the extremely serious and urgent nature of the consequences.

grave implications

Stresses the weighty and significant nature of the potential results.

terrible aftermath

Focuses on the period following a destructive event and the resulting damage.

critical fallout

Emphasizes the adverse effects or results of a situation or decision.

ruinous effects

Highlights the destructive and damaging impact on something.

tragic results

Focuses on the sorrowful and distressing nature of the outcomes.

destructive impacts

Emphasizes the capacity to destroy or ruin something

adverse outcomes

Highlights the unfavorable or harmful results.

FAQs

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

Use "devastating consequences" to describe situations where the outcome is extremely negative and destructive. For example: "The earthquake had "devastating consequences" for the coastal communities."

What are some alternatives to "devastating consequences"?

Alternatives include "catastrophic outcomes", "severe repercussions", or "dire ramifications", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "devastating consequences" in formal writing?

Yes, "devastating consequences" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a situation with severe negative outcomes. Ensure the tone and context align with the gravity of the consequences.

What distinguishes "devastating consequences" from "negative impacts"?

"Devastating consequences" implies a much greater degree of severity and destructiveness than "negative impacts". Use "devastating consequences" when the results are catastrophic and life-altering, whereas "negative impacts" can refer to less severe adverse effects.