Severe response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Severe response" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where a strong or intense reaction is being described, such as in medical, emotional, or situational scenarios. For example: "The patient exhibited a severe response to the medication." Alternative expressions include "intense reaction" and "strong response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

As the French grieve for the fallen at massive public memorials, their country's leaders have vowed a swift and severe response against the Islamic State, who claimed responsibility for the series of bombings and shootings that left 129 dead.

Vice

"In some instances a delayed and exceptionally severe response may take place and be followed by serious after-effects lasting several days".

The New Yorker

Mr. Valle's contention also received a severe response from Senator Martin J. Golden, a Brooklyn Republican.

The New York Times

The deputy chief constable of Merseyside police who oversaw that groundbreakingly severe response was Peter Wright.

The Guardian

— Vicole Deng Q. … can we expect the same severe response to shoddy construction that followed the tainted food scandal, which ended with the execution of a senior minister?

The New York Times

Not warning the Russians would have forced a much more severe response from Moscow and would have been "completely irresponsible," Mr. Bremmer said.

The New York Times

"The failed state of Syria poses a mounting threat to human rights, national security, and regional stability – and it deserves an increasingly severe response," Pompeo's prepared remarks state.

The Washington Post

Any attack by Serbian forces against NATO personnel engaged in peace-keeping missions elsewhere in the region would be completely unjustified and would be met with a swift and severe response in self-defence.

The Guardian

Viewed through this prism, Saudi Arabia's excessively severe response to seemingly irrelevant Canadian tweets becomes less surprising — it is not so much about Canada, but more about sending a forceful message that Riyadh does not tolerate criticism of any kind.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Relative to UK respondents, Australians reported a lower impact of the less-severe clinical response states and a greater impact of the more-severe response states.

British Journal of Cancer

Notably, cells displayed a less-severe response to CapH 2 activity than salivary gland nuclei; however, this is not entirely unexpected, as the surface area, lipid content, and filament strength of a nucleus will vary between tissues; these factors will likely modulate the intrinsic properties of a cell's nuclear envelope.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severe response" when you want to emphasize the intensity and potentially negative implications of a reaction. Consider the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "severe response" in everyday conversation or informal writing. It often sounds overly dramatic or formal when less intense language would suffice. Opt for simpler terms like "strong reaction" or "big consequence" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe response" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun "response". Ludwig AI shows it describes the intensity or gravity of a reaction to a situation or action. It's often used to indicate a significant or forceful reaction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe response" is a noun phrase used to describe a strong and consequential reaction. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse fields such as news, science and academia. While versatile, avoid overuse in informal settings where a simpler term may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives such as ""harsh reaction"" or ""strong reaction"" based on the specific context to avoid sounding overly dramatic. This phrase serves to emphasize the seriousness of the reaction and is commonly found in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh reaction

This alternative suggests a particularly unpleasant or unkind response.

strong reaction

This is a more general term indicating a powerful response, without necessarily implying negativity.

forceful response

This implies a response delivered with considerable strength or conviction.

vigorous reaction

Similar to "strong reaction", but emphasizes energy and enthusiasm.

drastic measure

This implies action taken that is likely to have a far-reaching effect.

tough consequence

Focuses on the negative outcome resulting from an action.

punitive action

This refers specifically to actions taken to punish someone.

strict penalty

Highlights the severity of the punishment imposed.

firm answer

Implies a resolute and unwavering response.

stiff rebuke

Refers to a sharp and critical reprimand.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe response" to describe a strong or intense reaction to something. For example, "The government promised a "severe response" to the terrorist attack."

What are some alternatives to "severe response"?

Some alternatives include "harsh reaction", "strong reaction", or "forceful response". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "severe response" and "strong response"?

"Severe response" implies a higher degree of intensity and potential negativity than "strong response". A "severe response" often involves significant consequences or penalties.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "severe response"?

"Severe response" is appropriate in formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, or legal documents where a strong and impactful reaction needs to be described accurately. It is also common in describing medical reactions.