Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it has devastated the
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it has devastated the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the impact of an event or situation that has caused significant harm or destruction to something or someone. Example: "The recent hurricane has devastated the local community, leaving many families without homes."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
8 human-written examples
While the austerity regime has allowed Greece to meet short-term obligations to its creditors, it has devastated the country's economy.
News & Media
"It has devastated the community.
News & Media
It has devastated the venture-capital market, the lifeblood of many young firms.
News & Media
It has devastated the local fishing fleet, the largest source of boats used to ferry migrants across the Mediterranean.
News & Media
Four years of it has devastated the largely agricultural economy, driving many poor people to urban centers with the usual dire social consequences.
News & Media
"This relocation has also benefited the environment". But while the relocation has eased the strain on city services, it has devastated the lives of hundreds of thousands of poor Sudanese.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
52 human-written examples
It has devastated forests in the Southeast and has now moved into the commercial avocado groves in southern Florida.
Science
Pollution has devastated the fishing industry.
News & Media
It has devastated some old-timers, like the 73-year-old businessman Jimmy Liu, who has been offered $900,000 plus relocation expenses -- which he considers too low -- for his nine boardwalk properties.
News & Media
Europe is also groaning under the burden of refugees from the countries it has devastated in Africa -- not without U.S. aid, as Congolese and Angolans, among others, can testify.
News & Media
It has devastated my whole family".
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it has devastated the" when you want to emphasize the severely damaging or destructive impact of something on a specific entity, such as an economy, community, or ecosystem.
Common error
Avoid using "it has devastated the" when describing situations that are only mildly negative or inconvenient. The phrase is strong and should be reserved for contexts involving significant damage or destruction.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it has devastated the" functions as a declarative statement expressing the severely damaging impact of an event or situation on a specific entity. Ludwig examples show it used to describe the effects of economic crises, natural disasters, or policy changes.
Frequent in
News & Media
75%
Science
13%
Encyclopedias
3%
Less common in
Formal & Business
3%
Wiki
3%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "it has devastated the" is a phrase used to describe the severe and widespread damage caused by a particular event or situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. It's a strong expression, so it's best reserved for situations where the impact is truly significant, as overusing it can diminish its effect. Consider alternatives like "it has wrecked the" or "it has destroyed the" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid using this phrase in situations that are only mildly negative, as doing so can dilute its impact.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it has destroyed the
Employs "destroyed" instead of "devastated", suggesting complete demolition or obliteration.
it has ravaged the
Employs "ravaged" instead of "devastated", conveying a sense of violent and widespread destruction.
it has wrecked the
Replaces "devastated" with "wrecked", indicating severe damage or destruction but perhaps on a slightly less intense scale.
it has severely damaged the
Rephrases "devastated" as "severely damaged", offering a more descriptive but less emphatic alternative.
it has ruined the
Substitutes "devastated" with "ruined", implying that something has been irreparably damaged or spoiled.
it has decimated the
Replaces "devastated" with "decimated", indicating a significant reduction or destruction, often by a large percentage.
it has obliterated the
Replaces devastated with obliterated, implying complete and utter destruction, leaving no trace.
it has crippled the
Uses "crippled" in place of "devastated", highlighting a severe weakening or disabling effect.
it has undermined the
Substitutes "devastated" with "undermined", suggesting a gradual weakening or erosion of something's foundation or strength.
it has negatively impacted the
Offers a less dramatic alternative, focusing on the negative consequences rather than the intensity of the destruction.
FAQs
How can I use "it has devastated the" in a sentence?
This phrase is used to describe the severe damaging impact of an event or situation on something. For example, "The economic crisis "it has devastated the" local economy".
What are some alternatives to "it has devastated the"?
You can use alternatives like "it has wrecked the", "it has ruined the", or "it has destroyed the" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it appropriate to use "it has devastated the" in formal writing?
Yes, it is appropriate, especially when describing significant negative impacts. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure the tone is suitable. Alternatives like "it has severely damaged the" may be more suitable for certain formal contexts.
What's the difference between "it has devastated the" and "it has negatively impacted the"?
"It has devastated the" implies a much stronger, more destructive effect than "it has negatively impacted the". Use "devastated" when the impact is severe and widespread; use "negatively impacted" for milder effects.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested