more devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more devastating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the severity of two or more situations, events, or impacts, indicating that one is greater in devastation than another. Example: "The hurricane last year was devastating, but this year's storm was even more devastating, causing widespread destruction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A loss more devastating.

The New Yorker

It Made Her Fall More Devastating.

The New York Times

Worldwide, pneumonia's toll is even more devastating.

The Washington Post

The impact is more and more devastating.

The Washington Post

These are rarer than mortar shelling, but far more devastating.

The New Yorker

Players can deliver more devastating hits, he said.

The New York Times - Sports

As AIDS spreads, the situation will be even more devastating.

The New York Times

This feels like déjà vu — only potentially far more devastating.

The New York Times

Her childhood in small-town Ontario, it's clear, was even more devastating.

The New York Times - Arts

"The higher a dog rises in public favor, the more devastating its downfall.

The New York Times

But on the ground, mountaintop removal in the Appalachians is considerably more devastating.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the impact of events, clearly specify what aspects are "more devastating". For example, "The economic impact was devastating, but the environmental consequences were even "more devastating"".

Common error

Avoid using "more devastating" in everyday situations where the impact is not genuinely severe. Overusing strong language can dilute its effect when describing truly serious events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more devastating" functions as a comparative adjective, modifying a noun to indicate a higher degree of destructiveness or harmfulness. It builds upon the adjective "devastating", enhancing its intensity as exemplified by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

13%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more devastating" is a commonly used comparative adjective phrase that effectively conveys a greater degree of destructiveness or harm. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and general informative writing. It is crucial to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the impact is genuinely severe. When alternative wording is needed, consider phrases such as "more destructive" or "more catastrophic".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more catastrophic

Emphasizes the disastrous and far-reaching consequences.

more destructive

Focuses on the act of destroying and the extent of the damage.

more ruinous

Highlights the potential for long-term damage and decay.

more calamitous

Suggests a tragic and deeply unfortunate event.

more crushing

Implies a strong sense of defeat or overwhelming impact.

more tragic

Focuses on the sadness and loss associated with the event.

more grievous

Highlights the severity and painfulness of the situation.

more harmful

Emphasizes the detrimental effects and negative outcomes.

more severe

Highlights the intensity and seriousness of the situation.

more impactful

Focuses on the significant effect or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "more devastating" in a sentence?

Use "more devastating" to compare the severity of two or more events, highlighting that one has a greater negative impact. For example: "The hurricane was devastating, but the subsequent flooding was even "more devastating"".

What can I say instead of "more devastating"?

Alternatives include "more destructive", "more catastrophic", or "more harmful", depending on the specific context and the type of impact you wish to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "most devastating" instead of "more devastating"?

"Most devastating" is used when referring to the single most damaging event within a series or category, whereas "more devastating" compares two specific events. For example, "This was the most devastating earthquake in the region's history" versus "This earthquake was more devastating than the previous one".

What's the difference between "devastating" and "more devastating"?

"Devastating" describes an event that causes significant damage or destruction. "More devastating" indicates that an event is worse than another event being compared. For example: "The fire was devastating, but the loss of life was "more devastating"".