that devours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that devours" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that consumes or destroys, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The fire that devours everything in its path left the town in ruins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Israel's economy isn't booming despite the political chaos that devours the headlines but because of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is a house that devours its inhabitants, like the spooky mansions in horror movies.

The New York Times

"Presumptive" also echoes "consumptive," suggesting an occupational disease that devours the body and spirit.

The New Yorker

Because it is a physical inertia of a system that devours resources with a fervour that grows without abatement.

University of California, Berkeley

HAMLET: We'll have no nation to lose unless we destroy the rot that devours us from within.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mr. Emanuel is of that admirable but shrinking minority that devours newspapers and reads to the end of stories.

The New York Times

This bank in Midtown South, a campus that devours a city block, is the fourth stop on his September tour.

The Washington Post

Now that the nation's signature is the ravenous conglomerate that devours everything, there's something admirable about Notre Dame's football independence.

The New York Times - Sports

The Sporkful A food 'cast that devours both haute and not-so-haute cuisine, from gyoza to doughnuts.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The snakehead is a relentless and efficient predator that devours just about everything in its path — fish, frogs, crayfish, beetles and aquatic insects.

The New York Times

"It's a system that eats everything, that devours everything," he said of the feuilleton aesthetic, a leading modern manifestation of which is the television soap opera.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that devours" to create vivid and impactful imagery when describing something that consumes or destroys, whether literally or metaphorically. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing where a strong, descriptive tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "that devours" in casual conversation or informal writing, as its intensity and formality can feel out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that eats" or "that consumes" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

That devours functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by describing its action of consuming or destroying something. Ludwig AI provides examples where it adds vivid imagery to descriptions, such as 'a monster that devours the money of its followers'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that devours" is a relative clause used to describe something that consumes or destroys. Ludwig AI confirms it’s grammatically correct and widely used, especially in News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for formal writing where a strong, descriptive tone is desired. Be mindful of overuse in casual contexts, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which consumes

Replaces "devours" with a more neutral synonym, focusing on the act of consumption.

that engulfs

Emphasizes the encompassing nature of the consumption, implying a complete takeover.

that consumes entirely

Adds emphasis to the completeness of the consumption.

that obliterates

Focuses on the destructive aspect, implying complete removal or erasure.

that annihilates

Indicates a complete and utter destruction.

that preys upon

Suggests a predatory relationship where something is actively hunted and consumed.

that feeds on

Highlights the act of sustenance through consumption.

which eradicates

Indicates the complete removal of something, similar to 'obliterates'.

that decimates

Implies a large-scale destruction, reducing something significantly.

that extinguishes

Suggests a forceful ending or suppression, often used for abstract concepts.

FAQs

How can I use "that devours" in a sentence?

The phrase "that devours" is a relative clause typically used to describe something that consumes or destroys something else. For example: "The monster "that devours" everything in its path is a common trope in horror movies."

What are some alternatives to "that devours"?

You can use alternatives like "which consumes", "that engulfs", or "that feeds on" depending on the specific context.

Is "that devours" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "that devours" is well-suited for formal writing due to its strong and descriptive nature. It can effectively convey a sense of intensity and destruction in academic, news, or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "that devours" and "that consumes"?

While both phrases imply taking something in, "that devours" suggests a more aggressive and destructive form of consumption compared to the more neutral "that consumes".