thoroughly devastated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly devastated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being deeply affected by loss, grief, or destruction. Example: "After hearing the news of her friend's passing, she felt thoroughly devastated and struggled to cope with her emotions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

During the next year the area was thoroughly devastated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His brother Robin said on behalf of the family: "We are just thoroughly devastated by it all, it's just a complete shock.

BBC

Instead I feel thoroughly devastated.

Huffington Post

Thoroughly devastated back then, Falluja has again found itself on the receiving end of American air power.

Huffington Post

Having skewered just about every professional sport possible, and so thoroughly devastated the news business, Will Ferrell is focusing his brand of goofy humor and satire on a truly deserving target: the wrecked economy, and those who did the wrecking.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I'll be devastated, absolutely devastated".

Independent

Utterly devastated.

Independent

Totally devastated".

The Guardian - Sport

Absolutely devastated.

The Guardian - Sport

Simply devastated".

The Guardian - Sport

Definitely devastated.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly devastated" to convey a strong sense of emotional or physical destruction, ensuring the context aligns with the intensity of the phrase. For instance, it suits situations involving significant loss or trauma.

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly devastated" in situations where the degree of sadness or destruction is mild. Overusing intensifiers can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly devastated" functions as an adjective phrase, where "thoroughly" modifies and intensifies the adjective "devastated". It describes the extent or degree of devastation experienced. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly devastated" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to emphasize a profound sense of devastation, whether physical or emotional. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is valid and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears most frequently in news and encyclopedia contexts. For situations requiring a similar but distinct expression, alternatives like "utterly heartbroken" or "absolutely devastated" can be used. When employing the phrase, ensure the context matches the intensity of the expression to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolutely devastated

Similar in meaning but places more stress on the intensity of devastation.

utterly heartbroken

Emphasizes the emotional pain and sadness experienced, highlighting a sense of deep sorrow.

completely crushed

Focuses on the feeling of being emotionally broken and defeated, implying a loss of hope.

totally shattered

Highlights the complete разрушение of one's emotional state, suggesting a sense of fragmentation.

emotionally ravaged

Suggests extensive emotional damage, comparing the experience to a physical devastation.

deeply saddened

A more subdued expression of sorrow, indicating a profound sense of unhappiness.

grievously wounded

Implies deep emotional pain, comparing the experience to a severe injury.

extremely distressed

Focuses on the mental and emotional strain experienced, implying a state of anxiety and unease.

profoundly affected

Highlights the significant impact of an event or situation on one's emotional state.

suffer intensely

Focuses on the degree of suffering one is experiencing.

FAQs

How can I use "thoroughly devastated" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly devastated" to describe a state of deep sorrow or destruction. For example, "After the hurricane, the town was "thoroughly devastated"." or "She was "thoroughly devastated" by the loss of her pet."

What are some alternatives to "thoroughly devastated"?

Some alternatives include "utterly heartbroken", "completely crushed", or "absolutely devastated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "thoroughly devastated" or "utterly devastated"?

Both "thoroughly devastated" and "utterly devastated" are correct, but "utterly devastated" might be slightly more common. The choice often comes down to personal preference and the rhythm of the sentence.

What kind of situations is "thoroughly devastated" best suited for?

"Thoroughly devastated" is best used when describing events or experiences that have caused significant emotional or physical destruction, implying a deep and lasting impact. It's suitable for describing personal grief, natural disasters, or severe setbacks.