has a devastating effect on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a devastating effect on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the significant negative impact that something has on a person, group, situation, or environment. Example: "The recent natural disaster has a devastating effect on the local community, leaving many families without homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Psychological stress has a devastating effect on health.

Harvard University

That has a devastating effect on the economy".

The New York Times

The discovery has a devastating effect on the club's membership.

The New York Times - Books

Their results, published in January in Nature, show that warfare has a devastating effect on wildlife.

Princeton University

The courtroom-based adversarial approach to child support has a devastating effect on children.

The New York Times

Putting economics before ecology has a devastating effect on the planet.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"Inflation can have a devastating effect on retirees.

The Guardian - Money

The attack has had a devastating effect on Lower Manhattan.

The New York Times

This has had a devastating effect on retirement policy".

The New York Times

"Flooding can have a devastating effect on communities," said Cameron.

The Guardian

That would have a devastating effect on a drug company.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "has a devastating effect on", ensure that the severity of the effect is justified by the context. Overuse can dilute its impact, so reserve it for situations where the consequences are truly dire.

Common error

Avoid using "has a devastating effect on" when a milder term like "impacts" or "affects" would be more accurate. Overstating the consequences can weaken your argument and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a devastating effect on" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a predicate, indicating the result or consequence of something upon a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys a strong negative impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has a devastating effect on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a significantly negative impact. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various writing contexts. While common in news, scientific, and academic domains, as shown by Ludwig, it's crucial to use it judiciously to maintain its intended severity. Remember to reserve this phrase for truly dire consequences to avoid diluting its impact and to consider more nuanced alternatives like "causes significant harm to" or "results in catastrophic consequences for" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

results in catastrophic consequences for

Focuses on the resulting consequences, implying a major disaster.

causes significant harm to

Focuses on the action of causing harm rather than emphasizing the extent of the impact.

creates a calamitous impact on

Stresses the disastrous nature of the impact.

has grave repercussions for

Highlights the serious and far-reaching consequences.

inflicts severe damage upon

Highlights the act of inflicting damage, carrying a slightly more active connotation.

exerts a ruinous influence on

Emphasizes the corrupting or destructive influence exerted.

precipitates dire outcomes for

Highlights the role of the phrase in accelerating negative outcomes.

wreaks havoc on

Uses a more informal and vivid expression to describe widespread destruction.

triggers a destructive chain reaction in

Emphasizes the cascading effect of negative consequences.

undermines the integrity of

Focuses on the weakening or compromising of something's essential qualities.

FAQs

How can I use "has a devastating effect on" in a sentence?

Use "has a devastating effect on" to describe a significantly negative impact. For example: "The economic crisis "has a devastating effect on" small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "has a devastating effect on"?

You can use alternatives like "causes significant harm to", "results in catastrophic consequences for", or "wreaks havoc on" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "has a devastating effect on" in formal writing?

Yes, "has a devastating effect on" is suitable for formal writing, but consider the specific tone and audience. In some cases, a more nuanced phrase might be preferable, but it's generally acceptable.

What's the difference between "has a devastating effect on" and "has a significant impact on"?

"Has a devastating effect on" implies a much more severe and destructive outcome than "has a significant impact on". Use "devastating" when the consequences are truly catastrophic.