he is devastated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is devastated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is experiencing extreme emotional distress or sadness, often due to a significant loss or disappointment. Example: "After hearing the news of his friend's passing, he is devastated and struggles to cope with the grief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

He is devastated, bereft.

The New York Times

All I know is he is devastated".

The New York Times

He is devastated: "I watched the whole thing live.

The Guardian

He is devastated and you can understand that.

The Guardian - Sport

He is devastated by her early death, described in one of the book's most moving scenes.

The New Yorker

Mr Mullin tells Mr Blair he is devastated and there the diary ends.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"He is devastating, he's come back a man," Mills told BBC Newcastle.

BBC

He was devastated.

The New York Times

"He's devastated".

BBC

"He was devastated," Salazar said.

The New York Times - Sports

Kinnock said he was devastated.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he is devastated", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the person's distress to provide a complete picture for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "he is devastated" to describe minor disappointments. Reserve it for situations involving significant loss, trauma, or profound disappointment to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is devastated" functions as a descriptive statement, portraying a subject's emotional state following an event or revelation. Ludwig AI confirms this is a standard and accepted usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is devastated" effectively communicates a state of profound emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and commonly used expression, primarily found in News & Media contexts. While grammatically straightforward, it's crucial to reserve it for situations that warrant such a strong emotional descriptor. Alternatives like "he is heartbroken" or "he is crushed" can offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for more precise communication of the individual's emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is heartbroken

This alternative emphasizes the emotional pain and sorrow experienced by the person.

he is crushed

This alternative suggests that the person is severely disappointed and emotionally broken.

he is grief-stricken

This alternative implies that the person is overwhelmed by grief, often due to a loss.

he is in despair

This alternative indicates a state of hopelessness and loss of courage.

he is inconsolable

This alternative suggests that the person cannot be comforted or consoled.

he is shattered

This alternative highlights the feeling of being completely broken or ruined emotionally.

he is despondent

This alternative indicates a state of low spirits and depression.

he is crestfallen

This alternative suggests a feeling of disappointment and sadness, often after a setback.

he is deeply saddened

This alternative is a more formal and subdued way of expressing devastation.

he is profoundly affected

This alternative highlights the significant emotional impact of an event on the person.

FAQs

What does "he is devastated" mean?

The phrase "he is devastated" describes someone experiencing extreme emotional distress, sadness, or shock, typically as a result of a significant loss or disappointing event.

What can I say instead of "he is devastated"?

You can use alternatives like "he is heartbroken", "he is crushed", or "he is grief-stricken" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "he is devastated" in formal writing?

Yes, "he is devastated" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports or factual accounts. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "he is profoundly affected" for academic or business contexts where a more subdued tone is preferred.

How do I use "he is devastated" in a sentence?

Use "he is devastated" to describe someone's emotional state following a negative event. For example, "After losing the championship game, he is devastated and unable to focus on anything else."