devastating revelation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devastating revelation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a piece of information that is shocking or has a significant negative impact. Example: "The devastating revelation about the company's financial troubles left employees in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

This included, in The Dark, the quietly devastating revelation of the sexual abuse of children and the complicity of those, in the church and elsewhere, whose duty to them was love and protection.

The Guardian - Books

Everyone seemed to be doing their best to break my heart, from the quietly devastating revelation of Dr DePaul's cancer to Dale's speech about his place in the world – but the week's most heartrending scenes belonged once again to Allison Janney's Margaret and Beau Bridges' Barton.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ed Miliband called the leak "damning" and Jim Murphy, the Scottish Labour leader, called it a "devastating revelation".

Independent

Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy said it was a "devastating revelation that exposes the uncomfortable truth behind the SNP's general election campaign".

The Guardian

Jim Murphy, who since he became Scottish Labour leader has struggled to dent polling numbers which suggest Labour face a near wipe-out north of the border, said this was a "devastating revelation that exposes the uncomfortable truth behind the SNP's general election campaign".

Independent

For eight months, they used this exclusive access to read the private emails of Assad and his wife Asma, looking for a "devastating revelation" that would help "oust" the regime, the Guardian reports.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The Treasury select committee member John Mann described the disclosures as "devastating" revelations of "the real inner workings of the banking sector".

The Guardian - Business

Finally, as a young adult, a soldier returned from the war in Afghanistan, Alyosha learns the things that their mothers never told them, and they are devastating revelations.

The New York Times - Books

Quite apart from the big John Hurt revelation, that devastating send-off was something else completely new.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Forget about devastating cuts or shocking revelations of civilian abuse in Iraq.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Met commissioner described the Ellison report which contained the revelations as "devastating" and said it marked one of the worst days of his career.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devastating revelation", ensure the context clearly establishes the significance and negative impact of the revealed information. Consider the emotional weight and consequences of the disclosure to enhance the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "devastating revelation" for minor or trivial disclosures. The term implies a significant negative impact, so ensure the revelation warrants such a strong description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devastating revelation" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "devastating" modifies the noun "revelation". It highlights the impactful and often negative nature of the disclosed information. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase to be correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devastating revelation" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a disclosure that has a significant negative impact. According to Ludwig, it's often used in news and media to convey the severity and consequences of disclosed information. While interchangeable with alternatives like "shocking disclosure" or "crushing disclosure", it's crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the weight of the term. Overusing it for minor events can diminish its impact. The phrase is predominantly found in news contexts, signaling its role in serious reporting and analytical summaries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shocking disclosure

Emphasizes the element of surprise and disbelief.

crushing disclosure

Highlights the emotionally destructive impact of the revelation.

shattering discovery

Focuses on the disruptive and transformative nature of the finding.

earth-shattering disclosure

Emphasizes the dramatic and far-reaching consequences of the revelation.

heartbreaking truth

Highlights the emotional pain and sorrow caused by the revelation.

damning exposure

Focuses on the negative consequences and potential legal ramifications of the revealed information.

unexpected bombshell

Emphasizes the sudden and shocking nature of the news.

alarming finding

Highlights the cause for concern and potential danger associated with the information.

disturbing information

Emphasizes the unsettling and troubling nature of the revelation.

destructive unveiling

Highlights the damaging aspects of the revelation.

FAQs

What does "devastating revelation" mean?

A "devastating revelation" refers to a piece of information that is disclosed and causes significant shock, distress, or negative consequences.

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

You might say, "The report contained a "devastating revelation" about the company's fraudulent activities." or "The detective's "devastating revelation" shocked the entire community."

What are some alternatives to "devastating revelation"?

Alternatives include "shocking disclosure", "crushing disclosure", or "earth-shattering disclosure", depending on the context and the degree of impact.

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

Yes, "devastating revelation" can be used in formal writing, particularly when reporting on serious or impactful events. It is commonly found in news articles and analytical reports.