used to devastating effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "used to devastating effect" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase when describing how someone used something to achieve a negative outcome. For example, "The dictator used their power to devastating effect, resulting in the oppression of their people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The punch line is a reference to the millions of dollars in US-supplied equipment that IS has taken from the Iraqi army and used to devastating effect.

Vice

Soft drapes, pleats and shimmer were used to devastating effect in chiffons, velvets and silk.

The Guardian

Heavy weaponry has been used to devastating effect against civilian neighborhoods that have virtually no defense, beyond a few army defectors and lightly armed activists.

The New York Times

In a 54-page document, Judge Skretny wrote:"Studies and data support New York's view that assault weapons are often used to devastating effect in mass shootings".

Independent

Edgewood had been built in a fit of urgency during the First World War, when weaponized gas — chlorine and, later, mustard — was used to devastating effect in the trenches of Europe.

The New Yorker

Ms. Gillard, who subsequently used the tax to entice the Greens into supporting her minority government, was never allowed to forget those words, which the opposition used to devastating effect in painting her as dishonest.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

High oil prices used to devastate Detroit, yet they have had little effect this year.

The New York Times

It used to devastate me.

The New York Times - Sports

He then used color to devastating effect in films directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger.

The New York Times - Arts

She possessed the greatest range of vocal colour of any singer that I know and she used it to devastating effect.

The Guardian - Music

George Bush senior, after all, used it to devastating effect on Michael Dukakis.John Kerry is also the ideal victim for Mr Bush's hatchet-men.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "used to devastating effect", ensure the context clearly establishes the negative consequences resulting from the action. This phrase is most impactful when the outcome is severe and readily apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "used to devastating effect" for minor or insignificant consequences. This phrase carries a strong connotation of severe and widespread harm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "used to devastating effect" acts as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating how an action was carried out. It highlights the method or manner in which something was used, emphasizing the severely negative outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "used to devastating effect" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to highlight the significantly negative outcomes resulting from a specific action or implementation. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and versatile. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sense of severe damage or harm. While alternatives like "employed to great detriment" exist, "used to devastating effect" provides a clear and impactful way to communicate the scale and severity of consequences. It's crucial to ensure appropriate usage, reserving the phrase for situations where the impact is genuinely substantial. The phrase enjoys common usage, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put to devastating use

A more concise alternative, maintaining a similar emphasis.

employed to great detriment

Focuses on the negative outcome of the employment of something.

applied with ruinous consequences

Emphasizes the ruinous nature of the consequences.

leveraged to destructive ends

Highlights the intentional leveraging towards destructive goals.

utilized for maximum damage

Stresses the maximization of damage as the primary aim.

wielded to calamitous result

Suggests a powerful wielding leading to disaster.

harnessed for dire impact

Implies controlled harnessing resulting in a dire impact.

implemented with lethal outcome

Highlights the lethal nature of the outcome of implementation.

brought about calamitous repercussions

Focuses on repercussions that are calamitous.

capitalized on for maximum destruction

Emphasizes exploiting a situation for maximum destructive potential.

FAQs

What does "used to devastating effect" mean?

The phrase "used to devastating effect" means something was employed or utilized in a way that caused significant and negative damage or harm.

Is "used to devastating effect" formal or informal?

The phrase is considered neutral and can be used in various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. However, it is not considered highly formal or scientific.

What are some alternatives to "used to devastating effect"?

Some alternatives include "employed to great detriment", "applied with ruinous consequences", or "put to devastating use".

How can I use "used to devastating effect" in a sentence?

For example, "The rebels used heavy weaponry "used to devastating effect" against civilian neighborhoods."