this is so devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is so devastating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong feelings of sadness or distress about a situation or event. Example: "Hearing about the natural disaster and its impact on the community, I can only say that this is so devastating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This is so devastating".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

An inner city mother can't get an audience to explain why closing down the local school is so devastating.

Huffington Post

When the gangster is actually killed, she is so devastated that we suddenly realise how flimsy or cold-blooded the rest of the film has been.

The Guardian - Film

"I can understand why Steve Evans is so devastated to lose a key player at such an important stage of the season".

BBC

Harry is so devastated by Dumbledore's death, he decides to tell his friends he will not be returning to Hogwarts next year and will instead search out and kill Voldemort by destroying all of the Horcruxes.

Wikipedia

(ex. A woman comes home to find her husband dead and is so devastated that she panics and commits suicide with a severely dramatic touch).

WikiHow

That is why it was so devastating this summer when Carbon Hill High School burned to the ground.

The New York Times

Miller wondered whether this structural variation could help explain why the bug can be so devastating.

Science Magazine

"It's been so devastating.

The New York Times

As clearly as Faneuil loathed Martha Stewart, Armstrong loved her, which was why her testimony was so devastating.

The New Yorker

My dad always raved about Joe Louis, and the short, quick left hook that was so devastating.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is so devastating" to express strong emotional reactions to events that cause significant distress or loss. It's suitable when conveying empathy or acknowledging the severity of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "this is so devastating" for trivial matters. Overusing it can dilute the impact and make your expressions seem insincere or exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is so devastating" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression used to convey a strong emotional response to a distressing or tragic event. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is frequently found in news and media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this is so devastating" serves as a potent expression of shock, sadness, and empathy in response to deeply troubling events. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, consider its impact and ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation. Alternatives like "this is incredibly heartbreaking" or "this is truly tragic" can offer nuanced expressions of sorrow. Avoiding overuse in trivial contexts will preserve the phrase's emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is incredibly heartbreaking

Emphasizes the emotional pain and sorrow caused by the situation.

this is truly tragic

Highlights the unfortunate and sorrowful nature of the event.

this is utterly crushing

Conveys a sense of being overwhelmed and defeated by the news or event.

this is deeply upsetting

Focuses on the emotional distress and disturbance caused.

this is extremely distressing

Highlights the level of anxiety and suffering induced by the situation.

this is profoundly disturbing

Emphasizes the unsettling and concerning nature of the event.

this is exceptionally ruinous

Highlights the destructive and damaging consequences of the situation.

this is terribly destructive

Focuses on the harm and damage caused by the event.

this is awfully calamitous

Emphasizes the disastrous and unfortunate nature of the event.

this is severely damaging

Highlights the significant negative impact and harm caused.

FAQs

What does "this is so devastating" mean?

It expresses strong feelings of sadness, shock, and distress about a situation or event that causes significant emotional pain or damage.

What can I say instead of "this is so devastating"?

You can use alternatives like "this is incredibly heartbreaking", "this is truly tragic", or "this is utterly crushing" to express similar sentiments.

How formal is the phrase "this is so devastating"?

It is suitable for both neutral and informal settings, depending on the context. While it is emotionally expressive, it's not overly formal and can be used in news reports, personal conversations, and social media.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "this is so devastating"?

It's appropriate when discussing significant losses, tragic events, or situations that cause widespread distress, such as natural disasters, personal tragedies, or major societal problems.