put to devastating use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "put to devastating use" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is utilized in a harmful or destructive manner. Example: "The technology, once intended for good, was unfortunately put to devastating use in the wrong hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The film also used the theme of atomic bombs that was present in many films at the time, but showed how the weapons, which devastated the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki a decade earlier, could be put to good use.

Wikipedia

Keller says he hopes the finding might be put to practical use: If the scientists could isolate the signal that provokes the attack, he says, it might be used to inspire devastating civil wars in ant colonies.

Science Magazine

The foam is put to killer use.

The New York Times - Books

After Hurricane Sandy devastated communities not far from their own Brooklyn neighborhoods, Mr. Bova and Mr. Eckhardt-Jacobi decided the money in the ground could be put to better use, and made plans to donate the coins to a group in Far Rockaway, Queens.

The New York Times

Put to best use after level 90.

WikiHow

Russian hackers put those emails to devastating political use, releasing them in dribs and drabs over a period of weeks to stay in the news.

The Washington Post

It immediately was put to use.

Los Angeles Times

Natural ice was put to many uses.

Wikipedia

"On behalf of all affected countries in Africa, today we are collectively committing ourselves to put an end to devastating outbreaks of this disease.

Unicef

We have to put it to use".

The New York Times - Sports

Soft drapes, pleats and shimmer were used to devastating effect in chiffons, velvets and silk.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "put to devastating use", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being used and the specific nature of the devastation caused. Provide details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "put to devastating use" when the impact is merely negative or unfavorable. The phrase implies a significant and widespread destructive effect.

Linguistic Context

Put to devastating use" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the manner in which something is being employed. It describes how an object, skill, or resource is utilized in a way that results in significant harm or destruction. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “put to devastating use” is a grammatically correct verb phrase that describes the harmful or destructive application of something. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English, effectively describing how something is employed with destructive outcomes. While there are currently few examples available, the phrase's meaning is clear and its usage straightforward. When writing, ensure that the context is specific to show what is being used and what the devastating effects entail to avoid being ambiguous or overstating the impact. If you need alternatives consider using phrases like "used destructively" or "applied harmfully".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

used destructively

Focuses on the destructive manner of the utilization.

applied harmfully

Highlights the detrimental application of something.

employed to destructive effect

Emphasizes the outcome of the employment as destructive.

utilized for harmful purposes

Focuses on the harmful intent behind the utilization.

leveraged devastatingly

Highlights the impactful and devastating nature of the leveraging.

exploited destructively

Indicates a self-serving and destructive application.

wielded to cause devastation

Emphasizes the control and intent to cause devastation.

turned to destructive ends

Highlights the final outcome as destructive.

used with destructive consequences

Focuses on the negative consequences arising from the utilization.

adapted for destructive roles

Highlights the changing of something’s purpose towards destruction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "put to devastating use" to sound less dramatic?

Consider alternatives like "used harmfully", "applied destructively", or "utilized negatively" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What is the difference between "put to devastating use" and "used effectively"?

"Put to devastating use" implies a destructive or harmful outcome, while "used effectively" suggests a successful or productive outcome. The key difference lies in the consequences of the usage.

Can "put to devastating use" be used in a positive context?

Generally, no. The phrase inherently carries a negative connotation due to the presence of "devastating". A more appropriate phrasing would be "put to good use" for positive scenarios.

What are some examples of situations where something is "put to devastating use"?

Examples might include a technology intended for peaceful purposes being adapted for warfare, or a natural resource being exploited in a way that causes significant environmental damage.