devolve into chaos

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devolve into chaos" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that deteriorates or becomes disordered over time. Example: "Without proper management, the project may devolve into chaos, leading to missed deadlines and confusion among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Lo comes across as a hedonist who refuses to devolve into chaos.

The New Yorker

With its small population, oil resources and proximity to Europe, there was no reason the nation should devolve into chaos.

Independent

Which is too bad, because along the way he touches on some interesting themes: the ease with which civil society can devolve into chaos; the ways our imperfect minds perceive reality; the risk that science, failing to save us, may finally destroy us.

The New York Times - Books

Florida would devolve into chaos, split by a cracker north that loves ballads about Jesus in boot-cut, a south that birthed the Miami Sound Machine, and a bizarre Gainesville outlier that somehow created both Tom Petty and Less Than Jake.

The Guardian - Opinion

An open discussion would surely devolve into chaos, especially when you factor in the open bar.

TechCrunch

If they do it right, this could be a big stepping stone for them, as many of these aggregators often devolve into chaos.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

If Egypt devolves into chaos, it will feed extremism throughout the region.

The New York Times

A new attendant was recruited to replace him, but the daily routine devolved into chaos.

The New Yorker

He has already sent his family to safety and is now getting out himself as his homeland devolves into chaos.

The New Yorker

As the world of Lenny and Eunice devolves into chaos and warfare, Mr Shteyngart can't help but find a note of hope in the muck.

The Economist

If the country devolved into chaos and civil war along ethnic and sectarian lines, that might provoke opportunism by neighbors of one kind or another.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devolve into chaos" to describe situations where a structured or orderly state gradually deteriorates into a state of complete disorder and confusion. Ensure the subject is something that can reasonably be expected to maintain order or structure.

Common error

Avoid using "devolve into chaos" when describing sudden events that lack a prior state of order. The phrase implies a gradual decline, so it's unsuitable for situations that instantly become chaotic without an initial period of structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devolve into chaos" functions as a phrasal verb followed by a prepositional phrase, indicating a process of deterioration. It describes how a situation or system changes from a state of order to one of disorder. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devolve into chaos" is a phrase used to describe a gradual deterioration from order to disorder. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure the subject is capable of maintaining order and that the situation involves a process of decline, as opposed to a sudden onset of chaos. Alternatives like "descend into chaos" or "fall into disarray" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

descend into chaos

Replaces 'devolve' with 'descend', suggesting a more rapid and forceful decline.

degenerate into chaos

Uses 'degenerate' to imply a loss of quality or moral standards leading to chaos.

fall into disarray

Focuses on the loss of order rather than a complete chaotic state.

erupt into anarchy

Highlights the absence of governing rules and authority as the chaos unfolds.

dissolve into pandemonium

Emphasizes the wild and noisy aspect of the chaos.

crumble into disorder

Suggests a gradual breakdown of structure leading to a lack of order.

succumb to turmoil

Implies a yielding to a state of disturbance and agitation.

plunge into bedlam

Uses 'bedlam' to describe a state of extreme confusion and noisy uproar.

sink into lawlessness

Specifically points to the absence of legal control and enforcement.

deteriorate into mayhem

Replace "chaos" with "mayhem" suggesting more violence and damage.

FAQs

How can I use "devolve into chaos" in a sentence?

You can use "devolve into chaos" to describe a situation where order gradually breaks down. For example, "Without strong leadership, the project could "devolve into chaos"".

What is a good alternative to "devolve into chaos"?

Alternatives include "descend into chaos", "degenerate into chaos", or "fall into disarray", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "evolve into chaos" instead of "devolve into chaos"?

No, "evolve into chaos" is not correct. "Evolve" means to develop or unfold gradually, while "devolve" means to decline or degenerate. Therefore, the correct phrase to indicate a decline into disorder is "devolve into chaos".

What does "devolve into chaos" imply about the initial state of a situation?

"Devolve into chaos" implies that the situation initially had some degree of order or structure before deteriorating. It suggests a process of decline rather than a sudden onset of chaos.