trail of devastation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trail of devastation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the aftermath of a disaster or destructive event, highlighting the destruction left behind. Example: "The hurricane left a trail of devastation across the coastal towns, with homes and businesses completely destroyed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Outside, a trail of devastation: duckweed, detritus, 85mph winds, police, roadblocks.

The Guardian

Nor the hurricane that has displaced John Galliano and left a trail of devastation on the autumn/winter 2011 season.

The New York Times

I am messy, but not in the sense that I leave a trail of devastation behind me as I cook.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A colossal tornado carved an 80-mile trail of devastation through central Arkansas, claiming the lives of at least 16 people.

Independent

(It would probably be a best seller like all those other celebrity memoirs whose authors blame their early experiences for the trail of devastation they leave behind).

The New York Times - Books

The Texas explosion, so powerful that the United States Geological Survey measured it as a 2.1-magnitude earthquake, left a trail of devastation over a wide area.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The agreement between the nuclear-armed rivals came as a breather for the people of Kashmir, where the Oct. 8 earthquake left a trail of destruction and devastation.

The New York Times

Billed by some as an answer to questions posed by climate change and fuel security, it is criticized by others as siphoning food away from the hungry and into the fuel tanks of rich countries, leaving a trail of environmental devastation in its wake.

The New York Times

Hurricane Irma claimed at least 19 lives as it barreled across the Caribbean toward Florida Friday, leaving a trail of catastrophic devastation that has affected more than a million people in the region.

Vice

The Ndebele fought their way northwards into the Transvaal, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake and beginning an era of widespread devastation known as the Mfecane.

Wikipedia

AMERICUS, Ga., March 2 — The tornado that ripped through this southwest Georgia town Thursday not only left a trail of death and devastation, it also stripped bare the only major medical facilities for thousands of people in a sprawling rural community.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "trail of devastation", ensure the context clearly establishes the cause of the devastation, such as a natural disaster, conflict, or economic policy.

Common error

Avoid using "trail of devastation" in overly metaphorical or trivial situations. Using it to describe minor inconveniences dilutes the impact and seriousness of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trail of devastation" primarily functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it describes the aftermath of a destructive event, emphasizing the widespread damage and ruin left behind. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing natural disasters, conflicts, and other calamitous situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trail of devastation" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the widespread damage and ruin left behind by a destructive event. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys the severity and extent of the consequences, often in the context of natural disasters, conflicts, or economic crises. While frequently found in news and media, it's important to use it appropriately, avoiding overuse in metaphorical or trivial contexts. Alternatives such as "path of destruction" or "wake of destruction" can offer variety while maintaining the intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

path of destruction

Focuses on the physical route of destruction rather than the overall impact.

wake of destruction

Highlights the consequences and aftermath of a destructive event.

aftermath of destruction

Highlights the period following a destructive event and its immediate consequences.

legacy of ruin

Emphasizes the long-lasting and impactful nature of the destruction.

scene of destruction

Focuses on the visual impact of the damage.

the ravages of

Emphasizes the destructive actions or effects of a particular agent or force.

series of calamities

Indicates a succession of unfortunate events causing widespread damage.

wave of destruction

Suggests a large-scale and overwhelming destructive force.

area of widespread damage

Focuses on the geographical extent of the damage caused.

ruins left behind

Focuses on the remaining physical remnants of destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "trail of devastation" in a sentence?

You can use "trail of devastation" to describe the aftermath of a significantly destructive event, such as, "The hurricane left a "trail of devastation" across the coastal region".

What phrases are similar to "trail of devastation"?

Alternatives include "path of destruction", "wake of destruction", or "legacy of ruin". These phrases convey a similar sense of widespread destruction.

Is "trail of devastation" an overused phrase?

While "trail of devastation" is a common phrase, particularly in news reporting, it remains effective when used appropriately to describe significant and widespread destruction. Consider alternatives to avoid repetition.

What kind of events typically leave a "trail of devastation"?

Events such as natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis), wars, and major economic crises often leave a "trail of devastation", impacting communities and infrastructure severely.