devastating news

USAGE SUMMARY

'devastating news' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to news that causes a great deal of distress or shock. For example, "The family was devastated when they heard the devastating news of their father's death."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's devastating news.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's devastating, devastating news," Hixon said.

The New York Times - Sports

Absolutely devastating news about Phil Hughes.

Independent

Iggy Pop called it "devastating news".

The Guardian - Music

It is devastating news, something we could have done without.

Independent

This would be devastating news from some Internet companies.

The New York Times - Tech

"Devastating news for us," wrote one person in Australia.

The New York Times

"It's devastating news hard to believe he was our hero.

The Guardian

Hunt told BBC News: "This is devastating news for patients.

The Guardian

But that December afternoon his consultant delivered devastating news.

The Guardian

Grade's defection is devastating news for the BBC.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devastating news", ensure the context clearly indicates the severity of the situation. Use it when the news has a significant and negative impact on individuals or communities.

Common error

Avoid using "devastating news" for minor inconveniences or setbacks. Reserve it for truly serious or tragic events to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devastating news" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "devastating" modifies the noun "news". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. The phrase acts as a subject or object within a sentence, conveying the severe impact of the information being communicated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Social Media

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devastating news" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to communicate information of a profoundly negative and impactful nature. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase conveys the seriousness of the situation, prompting strong emotional responses. While alternatives like "crushing information" or "tragic announcement" exist, "devastating news" remains a powerful and widely recognized way to describe dire circumstances. It's essential to reserve its use for truly significant events to maintain its impact and avoid trivializing serious situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dire news

Omission of the adjective enhances the severity of the situation.

crushing information

Changes the adjective to emphasize the emotional impact.

tragic announcement

Replaces "news" with a more formal term, emphasizing the solemn nature of the information.

heartbreaking report

Uses a more emotive adjective to describe the impact of the news.

catastrophic update

Emphasizes the scale of the disaster implied by the news.

dire tidings

Uses more archaic language to convey a sense of foreboding.

terrible revelation

Focuses on the act of revealing something awful.

shocking disclosure

Highlights the surprise and disbelief caused by the news.

grievous intelligence

Uses a more formal and serious tone, suitable for official contexts.

calamitous bulletin

Implies a widespread disaster being reported.

FAQs

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

You can use "devastating news" to describe information that causes immense sadness, shock, or distress. For example, "The doctor delivered the "devastating news" about her diagnosis."

What are some alternatives to "devastating news"?

Alternatives include "crushing information", "tragic announcement", or "heartbreaking report", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "devastating news" is appropriate in formal writing when describing events of significant negative impact. However, ensure the tone remains respectful and sensitive to the context.

What makes news "devastating"?

News is considered "devastating" when it causes significant emotional distress, loss, or disruption to individuals or communities. It often involves events like deaths, serious illnesses, or major disasters.