had a devastating effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a devastating effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant negative impact or consequence of an event or action. Example: "The hurricane had a devastating effect on the coastal community, leaving many families homeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The impasse had a devastating effect.

The New York Times

"It had a devastating effect.

The Guardian - Books

But El Niño had a devastating effect.

The Guardian - Travel

Taken together it's had a devastating effect".

The Guardian

This has had a devastating effect on retirement policy".

The New York Times

The attack has had a devastating effect on Lower Manhattan.

The New York Times

But it has had a devastating effect on Iraq's forces in the field.

The New York Times

Sanctions have had a devastating effect on Iranian lives and the economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

The operation, she says, had a devastating effect on her life and affected her marriage.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"These trade pacts have had a devastating effect on every part of the state.

The New York Times

"The Funding for Lending scheme has had a devastating effect on rates.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs or more vivid adjectives to amplify the devastating nature of the effect. For example, 'obliterated' or 'annihilated' might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "had a devastating effect" too frequently in your writing. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or more specific descriptions of the consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a devastating effect" functions as a predicate in a sentence, describing the impact or consequence of an event or action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to express a significant negative outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had a devastating effect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a significantly negative impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is generally correct and is prevalent across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To improve your writing, focus on providing specific context and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives such as ""had a ruinous impact"" or ""caused widespread destruction"" for variety. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a ruinous impact

This alternative uses 'ruinous' to emphasize the destructive nature of the effect.

caused widespread destruction

This phrase highlights the extent of the damage or harm caused.

had a catastrophic consequence

This alternative uses 'catastrophic' to denote a disastrous outcome.

resulted in severe damage

This phrase focuses on the severity of the damage inflicted.

inflicted heavy losses

This alternative emphasizes the magnitude of the losses experienced.

had a crippling impact

This phrase suggests a disabling or severely limiting effect.

led to dire repercussions

This alternative highlights the serious and negative consequences that followed.

brought about immense suffering

This phrase underscores the significant distress and pain caused.

had a calamitous outcome

This alternative uses 'calamitous' to suggest a disastrous and unfortunate result.

precipitated a major crisis

This phrase indicates that the effect triggered a significant and problematic situation.

FAQs

How can I use "had a devastating effect" in a sentence?

Use "had a devastating effect" to describe a situation or event that caused significant damage, harm, or suffering. For example, "The economic crisis "had a devastating effect" on small businesses".

What can I say instead of "had a devastating effect"?

You can use alternatives like "had a ruinous impact", "caused widespread destruction", or "resulted in severe damage" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "had a devastating effect on" or "devastated"?

Both are correct, but "devastated" (e.g., "The community was devastated") is more concise. "Had a devastating effect on" is more descriptive, allowing you to specify the cause and the affected entity. The choice depends on the desired level of detail and conciseness.

Which is the correct, "had a devastating effect on" or "had a devastating affect on"?

"Had a devastating effect on" is correct. "Effect" is a noun meaning a result or consequence. "Affect" is a verb meaning to influence or produce a change in someone or something.