it was devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was devastating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a feeling of great distress or sorrow. Example sentence: After hearing the news of his brother's death, John knew it was devastating.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was devastating, absolutely devastating," he says of the laminitis.

Los Angeles Times

It was devastating".

The New York Times - Sports

"It was devastating for me.

The New York Times

"It was devastating to see.

The New York Times - Sports

SH: It was devastating.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was devastating", the rock singer said.

Independent

"It was devastating for all of us".

The New York Times - Sports

It was devastating to miss this opportunity.

The New York Times

"Of course, it was devastating.

The Guardian - Film

"It was devastating for that reason".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It was devastating to me," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was devastating" to clearly and powerfully express the severe negative impact of an event or situation. This phrase is effective for conveying a sense of loss, destruction, or emotional distress.

Common error

Avoid using "it was devastating" for minor inconveniences or setbacks. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving significant negative consequences, loss, or emotional pain to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was devastating" functions as a declarative statement expressing the profound negative impact or emotional distress caused by a specific event or situation. Ludwig examples show its common use in describing deeply upsetting experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was devastating" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey significant emotional distress or destruction. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. With a high expert rating of 4.5, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it effectively communicates the severity of events. While powerful, it should be reserved for truly impactful situations to avoid diluting its effect. Consider alternatives like "it was shattering" or "it was catastrophic" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember, using "it was devastating" appropriately enhances the impact of your message and ensures clarity in communicating profound negative experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was shattering

Emphasizes the breaking or ruinous aspect of the event.

it was crushing

Focuses on the emotionally oppressive weight of the experience.

it was calamitous

Highlights the disastrous and far-reaching effects.

it was ruinous

Stresses the destructive impact, leading to significant damage or loss.

it was catastrophic

Implies a large-scale disaster with severe consequences.

it was heartbreaking

Focuses on the emotional pain and sorrow caused by the event.

it was dreadful

Indicates the event was extremely unpleasant or of poor quality.

it was atrocious

Highlights the shockingly bad or appalling nature of the situation.

it was appalling

Stresses the shocking and deeply disturbing qualities.

it was tragic

Emphasizes the sadness, loss, and misfortune associated with the event.

FAQs

How can I use "it was devastating" in a sentence?

Use "it was devastating" to describe something that caused significant emotional distress or destruction. For example, "Losing the championship game, it was devastating for the entire team".

What are some alternatives to "it was devastating"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was shattering", "it was crushing", or "it was catastrophic" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it was devastating"?

Yes, "it was devastating" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a situation that caused significant distress or damage. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

When should I use "it was devastating" versus "it was disappointing"?

"It was devastating" should be used when the situation caused significant emotional pain, destruction, or loss. "It was disappointing" is more appropriate for minor setbacks or unfulfilled expectations. The first is much stronger in tone and impact.