it has been devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has been devastating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express the emotional impact or severe consequences of a situation or event. Example: "The news of the disaster was shocking, and it has been devastating for the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It has been devastating," Ms. Desai said.

The New York Times

It has been devastating to the Knicks' spirits.

The New York Times - Sports

What is uncontested is that it has been devastating to Eliot Spitzer.

The New Yorker

It has been devastating to realise I don't have my management's full support".

The Guardian

"It has been devastating to say the least," said Mr. Cox, general manager of Lighthouse Construction in Osterville, Mass.

The New York Times - Travel

The turnaround for Gazprom has been as swift as it has been devastating to the company's business model.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

A third of its population lives in poverty and it has been devastated by natural disaster and civil conflict.

Huffington Post

But it has been devastated in the past 30 years by privatisation and trade liberalisation, which have forced millions of people off the land and into cities.

The Guardian

She has also dishevelled the space: the ceiling looks as if it has been devastated by fire or flood, with sooty beams and curling strips of paper.

The Guardian - Books

It has been devastated by a combination of a long drought caused by a strong El Niño weather cycle and climate change.

The Guardian

(On Thursday night, Ms. Fulton issued a statement saying it had been "devastating for my family" to hear what "we already knew in our hearts to be true").

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has been devastating" to clearly communicate the significant negative impact of an event or situation, particularly when emphasizing the emotional or destructive consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "it has been devastating" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations with genuinely severe and far-reaching negative consequences to maintain credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has been devastating" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing the severe negative impact or consequences of a situation. Ludwig confirms its grammatically correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has been devastating" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the profound negative impact of an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios with genuinely severe consequences to avoid diluting its impact. Common usage appears in news and formal contexts, highlighting its role in conveying seriousness. Remember to consider related phrases such as "it has been ruinous" or "it has been tragic" to tailor your message effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has been ruinous

This alternative emphasizes the destructive and irreparable nature of the impact.

it has been calamitous

This alternative highlights the disastrous and catastrophic consequences.

it has been shattering

This alternative emphasizes the emotional impact and the sense of being broken.

it has been crushing

This alternative conveys a feeling of being overwhelmed and defeated.

it has been tragic

This alternative focuses on the sorrowful and deeply unfortunate nature of the situation.

it has been catastrophic

This alternative emphasizes the scale and severity of the disaster.

it has been dire

This alternative underscores the extreme seriousness and urgency of the situation.

it has been a disaster

This alternative is a more direct and straightforward way of stating the negative outcome.

it has been heartbreaking

This alternative focuses on the emotional distress and sadness caused by the event.

it has been a blow

This alternative describes the event as a setback or a source of disappointment.

FAQs

How can I use "it has been devastating" in a sentence?

Use "it has been devastating" to describe a situation that has caused significant damage, emotional distress, or negative consequences. For example, "The economic downturn "it has been devastating" for small businesses".

What are some alternatives to "it has been devastating"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "it has been ruinous", "it has been tragic", or "it has been a disaster".

When is it appropriate to use "it has been devastating"?

It is appropriate when describing events or situations that have caused widespread damage, significant emotional distress, or severe negative consequences. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences.

What is the difference between "it has been devastating" and "it was disappointing"?

"It has been devastating" implies a severe negative impact with long-lasting consequences, while "it was disappointing" suggests a milder form of dissatisfaction or unmet expectations.