Collocations for desolate - adj.

be, seem, stand
The house stands desolate and empty.

become | leave sth
The land was left desolate.

completely, quite
The landscape was quite desolate.

rather
a rather desolate place

be, feel, look, sound
He looked as desolate as Ruth felt.

become

quite, utterly
She was utterly desolate after losing her baby.

a little
Her voice sounded a little desolate.