will be devastated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be devastated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong emotional reaction to a future event, indicating that someone will feel extreme sadness or distress. Example: "If the project fails, the team will be devastated by the news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

John Kasich will be devastated.

The Guardian

Gill will be devastated, I'm sure.

Independent

Our members will be devastated.

The Guardian

Both Harmison and Hoggard will be devastated.

The Guardian - Sport

The Sunderland economy will be devastated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wales will be devastated by this.

The Guardian - Sport

Many people will be devastated that this show is ending.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Frontline services will be devastated by the government's plans.

The Guardian - Money

If the club does fold, we will be devastated.

The Guardian - Sport

If the tax comes in, this area will be devastated.

The Guardian

The entire country is expecting the gold and will be devastated by any other result.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "will be devastated", ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the devastation to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what event or news will lead to this feeling.

Common error

While "will be devastated" is acceptable, it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Consider using milder alternatives like "disappointed" or "upset" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be devastated" functions as a future passive construction, indicating that someone or something will experience a state of extreme emotional distress or ruin due to an external event. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it commonly describes the impact of negative news or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will be devastated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a future state of intense emotional distress or destruction. According to Ludwig, it commonly appears in News & Media contexts. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the tone and choose appropriate alternatives like "will be heartbroken" or "will be crushed" depending on the situation. Understanding its connotations and potential for overuse is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be heartbroken

Highlights deep sorrow and emotional pain.

will feel crushed

Emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed by disappointment.

will be shattered

Focuses on the idea of being broken into pieces emotionally.

will be destroyed

Implies complete ruin, either emotionally or physically.

will be inconsolable

Focuses on the inability to be comforted.

will be dismayed

Suggests a feeling of shock and disappointment.

will be grief-stricken

Highlights intense sorrow and mourning.

will be overcome with grief

Emphasizes the intensity and all-encompassing nature of sorrow.

will be despondent

Implies a state of low spirits and hopelessness.

will be in despair

Highlights a complete loss of hope.

FAQs

How can I use "will be devastated" in a sentence?

You can use "will be devastated" to express a strong feeling of sadness or disappointment about a future event. For example, "If the team loses, the coach "will be devastated"."

What are some alternatives to "will be devastated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "will be heartbroken", "will be crushed", or "will be dismayed".

Is it appropriate to use "will be devastated" in formal writing?

Yes, "will be devastated" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant emotional impacts. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the document.

What's the difference between "will be devastated" and "will be disappointed"?

"Will be devastated" implies a much stronger emotional reaction than "will be disappointed". Devastation suggests a profound sense of loss or ruin, while disappointment is a milder form of dissatisfaction.