More severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "More severe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the intensity or seriousness of something, indicating that it is greater than another situation or condition. Example: "The storm last night was more severe than the one we experienced last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

More severe or less severe?

The Guardian

More severe punishment is expected.

The New York Times

More severe cases may require procedures.

Wikipedia

More severe reactions are sometimes reported, however.

Huffington Post

The more severe crashes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sentences are more severe.

The New Yorker

Their words became more severe.

The New York Times

The negativity is more severe".

The New York Times

And punishments are more severe.

The Economist

Corruption is more severe.

The Guardian

"The more severe the winter, the more severe the potholes".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the degree of something, ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared to what. For example, instead of saying "The storm was more severe", specify "The storm was more severe than last year's storm".

Common error

Avoid using "more severe" when a simpler term like "worse" or "serious" would suffice. Overusing comparative adjectives can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "More severe" functions primarily as a comparative adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a greater degree of intensity, seriousness, or extremity. Ludwig shows examples in diverse scenarios, from weather events to legal consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "More severe" is a common and grammatically sound comparative adjective phrase used to indicate a greater degree of intensity or seriousness. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across contexts such as news reporting, scientific research and general discussions. While versatile, be mindful of potential overuse and ensure clarity in comparisons. Alternatives like ""more intense"" or ""greater intensity"" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

More intense

Focuses on the heightened intensity of something.

More extreme

Emphasizes a departure from the norm, reaching an exceptional degree.

Greater intensity

Highlights an increased level of force or impact.

Increased severity

Nominalizes the phrase, focusing on the escalation of seriousness.

More acute

Indicates a sharpness or critical nature that has been amplified.

More critical

Suggests an increased importance or urgency.

More drastic

Implies a significant and potentially radical change or effect.

More aggravated

Focuses on the worsening or exacerbation of a condition or situation.

Heightened impact

Emphasizes the increased effect or consequence.

Amplified intensity

Highlights a magnified degree of intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "More severe" in a sentence?

Use "More severe" to describe something that is greater in intensity, seriousness, or degree compared to something else. For example, "The consequences of not paying taxes are "more severe" than just a small fine".

What are some alternatives to saying "More severe"?

You can use alternatives such as "more intense", "more extreme", or "greater intensity" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "More severely"?

"More severely" is an adverbial phrase used to describe how an action is performed in a more intense or serious manner. While grammatically correct, "more severe" typically modifies nouns, while "more severely" modifies verbs or adjectives.

What's the difference between "More severe" and "Very severe"?

"More severe" implies a comparison, indicating that something is worse than something else. "Very severe" simply emphasizes the high degree of severity without direct comparison.