truly devastating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "truly devastating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the severity or emotional impact of a situation or event. Example: "The news of the natural disaster was truly devastating for the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The effects would be truly devastating.

The New Yorker

Dementia combined with loneliness is truly devastating.

The Guardian - Opinion

The human consequences here can be truly devastating.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dave Locke deployed Nasby with shocking audacity, joking about truly devastating Union defeats.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush is personalizing a situation that is truly devastating to others.

The New York Times

"This was the first time airplanes were used as weapons," she said, "which was truly devastating to the industry".

The New York Times

It's the final one that rings loudest these days: seeing Beverley repeating her own cycles of abuse in her adult life is truly devastating.

The Guardian - Books

A lack of four-engine bombers, for example, made it hard for Germany to conduct truly devastating long-range strategic-bombing campaigns against enemies overseas.

The New Yorker

High food prices dismay even relatively well-off Americans — but they're truly devastating in poor countries, where food often accounts for more than half a family's spending.

The New York Times

"To lose four people from a party of six is truly devastating.

BBC

She said: "The impact of the disease on the wider family is truly devastating.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "truly devastating" to emphasize the profound impact of a situation, whether it is an emotional blow, a natural disaster, or a significant loss. It adds weight and seriousness to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "truly devastating" for minor inconveniences or setbacks. Save it for situations that genuinely warrant a strong and emphatic description of destruction or emotional impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "truly devastating" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective. It modifies a noun, emphasizing the extreme negative impact or emotional distress caused by something. Ludwig indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "truly devastating" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to emphasize the severe impact of a situation or event. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across various contexts. While it's found frequently in news and media, it also appears in formal and business settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants such a strong description, reserving it for situations of genuine destruction or emotional distress. Alternatives such as "absolutely crushing" or "utterly calamitous" can provide nuance depending on the specific context. Understanding its proper usage can significantly enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thoroughly devastating

Indicates a comprehensive and complete sense of devastation.

absolutely crushing

Emphasizes the overwhelming and disheartening nature of the event.

utterly calamitous

Highlights the disastrous and ruinous aspect of the situation.

genuinely catastrophic

Stresses the disastrous scale and severe consequences.

deeply heartbreaking

Focuses on the profound emotional pain and sorrow caused.

tragically ruinous

Highlights the irreparable damage and unfortunate circumstances.

exceptionally destructive

Emphasizes the extensive damage and destruction caused by the event.

incredibly damaging

Focuses on the significant harm and negative effects.

seriously harmful

Highlights the severe detrimental effects.

completely shattering

Emphasizes the complete disruption and destruction of something.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "truly devastating" in a sentence?

Use "truly devastating" to underscore the severity of a situation. For example, "The impact of the hurricane was "truly devastating", leaving many homeless." Ensure the context aligns with the gravity of the phrase.

What are some alternatives to "truly devastating"?

Consider using alternatives like "absolutely crushing", "utterly calamitous", or "genuinely catastrophic" to add nuance to your writing depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "truly devastating" in formal writing?

Yes, "truly devastating" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a situation of significant impact. However, ensure the tone remains professional and avoid overly emotional language.

What's the difference between "devastating" and "truly devastating"?

Adding "truly" intensifies the meaning of "devastating", emphasizing the profound and severe nature of the devastation. It conveys a stronger emotional impact and is suitable when the situation warrants significant emphasis.