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 completely desolate.

rather
a rather desolate place

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

become

utterly
She was utterly desolate after losing her baby.

Desolate is used with these nouns:
expanse, landscape, moor, spot, street, wilderness