widespread devastation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widespread devastation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe extensive damage or destruction that affects a large area or many people. Example: "The hurricane caused widespread devastation across the coastal towns, leaving many families homeless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

suffered particularly widespread devastation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is massive and widespread devastation.

The Guardian

But organisations are being hampered by widespread devastation.

The Guardian

Widespread devastation in that state along with some closed Hudson River crossings complicated their travel.

The New York Times

The worst tremor, last August, had a magnitude of 3.4, hardly enough to cause widespread devastation.

The New York Times

"The tree has been endangered in many countries because of this widespread devastation," Mr. Blanchette said.

The New York Times

Cities reporting widespread devastation included Ormoc on the island of Leyte and Roxas on Panay.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Widespread devastation was also reported in the territory's capital, Pago Pago.

The New York Times

She described widespread devastation on the streets, many of which remained blocked off.

The New York Times

A shift of just 20 or 30 miles could have meant widespread devastation.

The Guardian

Storm-surge floods of up to six metres have caused widespread devastation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "widespread devastation", ensure that the context clearly indicates the scope and nature of the damage. Provide specific details about what was affected to enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "widespread devastation" to describe minor incidents or localized damage. This phrase is best reserved for situations with a truly significant and broad-reaching impact. Consider the magnitude of the damage to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widespread devastation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It serves to describe the extent of damage or destruction caused by an event or situation. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widespread devastation" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe extensive damage or destruction affecting a large area or many people. Ludwig's analysis confirms its prevalent use in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, reflecting its applicability across various domains. The phrase serves to emphasize the severity and scope of destruction, and alternatives like "extensive destruction" or "massive damage" can be used for similar effect. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects the significant and broad-reaching impact of the described event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive destruction

Replaces "widespread devastation" with synonyms, focusing on the broad scope of destruction.

massive destruction

Uses "massive" to emphasize the scale of the destruction, similar to "widespread devastation".

extensive damage

Focuses on the damage aspect of the devastation, implying broad impact.

large-scale destruction

Highlights the scale of the destruction, mirroring the "widespread" aspect.

catastrophic damage

Emphasizes the disastrous nature of the damage caused, similar to "widespread devastation".

wholesale destruction

Suggests a complete or total destruction, aligning with the idea of "widespread devastation".

comprehensive destruction

Indicates a thorough and extensive form of destruction.

significant destruction

Highlights the importance and scale of the destruction.

broad destruction

Uses 'broad' to describe the scope of destruction.

extensive ruination

Emphasizes the state of ruin resulting from widespread damage.

FAQs

How can I use "widespread devastation" in a sentence?

You can use "widespread devastation" to describe situations where damage or destruction affects a large area or population. For example: "The earthquake caused "widespread devastation" across the region, leaving thousands homeless."

What are some alternatives to "widespread devastation"?

Alternatives include "extensive destruction", "massive damage", or "large-scale destruction". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of destruction you wish to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "widespread devastation" in formal writing?

Yes, "widespread devastation" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a situation involving significant destruction. It is commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and official reports.

What kind of events typically lead to "widespread devastation"?

Events that can cause "widespread devastation" include natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis; wars and conflicts; and large-scale industrial accidents.