Severely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Severely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is done to a great degree or intensity, often in a negative context. Example: "The storm severely damaged the coastal town, leaving many homes in ruins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The decision means that the commission will be unable to investigate or report on several current operations, and will severely restrict its ability to report on Operations Spicer and Credo," Icac said in a statement on Monday.

The Guardian

It added that several thousand passengers using Paddington on 27 December were affected by cancelled and severely delayed services.

The Guardian

Juventus had laboured to snuff out the threat posed by AS Monaco for over an hour, their own attacking ambitions severely limited in response, but they were not wounded when at their most vulnerable and ultimately eased through the last quarter with the authority of a side who would not be beaten.

The Guardian - Sport

Although the control tower collapsed last week and the terminals and runways have been severely damaged by shelling, the airport holds great symbolic and strategic importance for both sides.

The Guardian

Rights groups say the government that replaced him has been anything but democratic – with more than a thousand dissidents killed, thousands more arrested, and the right to free assembly and free speech severely curbed.

The Guardian

"We live in a world where it feels as though the darkness is falling ever more severely on whole swathes and regions and in which the light of the news often seems to go out," he said.

The Guardian

Or when Bubbles goads the junkie bully, thinking he has Herc to come and back him up, only to be beaten severely?

The Guardian

Within a few years, the study of French at UK universities, already severely endangered, may well become extinct.

The Guardian - Opinion

On top of that, in 1977 the supreme court ruled that the eighth amendment protection against "cruel and unusual punishment" did not apply to schoolchildren, after hearing a case in which students were hit regularly with paddles for minor infractions, one "depriving him of the use of his arms for a week," and one student was hit so severely "that he suffered a hematoma requiring medical attention".

The Guardian - Sport

Even members of Congress' access to the text is severely restricted, and they face criminal prosecution if they tell their constituents what they've read.

The Guardian

There was always food on the table but I was made aware from an early age that the Alderman household was severely "cash-limited".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "severely" when contrasting with less intense alternatives, such as saying "The policy severely restricts access, not just slightly limits it."

Common error

Avoid using "severely" in casual conversations where a milder adverb would suffice. Overusing it can diminish its impact when describing genuinely serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "severely" functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the degree or intensity of an action or state. Ludwig confirms its role in intensifying the meaning of the words it modifies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severely" is an adverb used to emphasize the intensity or degree of an action or state, often with negative implications. As indicated by Ludwig, its correct grammatical usage and prominence in reputable sources like The Guardian solidify its authority and reliability. While versatile, it should be applied judiciously to maintain impact. Ludwig confirms that "severely" effectively amplifies the severity or intensity of a situation, ensuring it's a potent tool in conveying serious consequences or substantial effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seriously

Conveys the significant or weighty nature of something.

Badly

Suggests a poor quality or outcome, often implying damage or harm.

Gravely

Emphasizes the seriousness or solemnity of a situation, often relating to potential consequences.

Critically

Indicates a state of extreme importance or danger, often used in medical or analytical contexts.

Drastically

Suggests a sudden and significant change or effect.

Acutely

Highlights the intensity or sharpness of a feeling or situation.

Significantly

Emphasizes the notable or substantial degree of a change or impact.

Intensely

Highlights the extreme degree of an action or feeling.

Extremely

Indicates a very high degree, often used for emphasis.

Harshly

Implies a severe or cruel manner, often relating to treatment or judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "severely" in a sentence?

Use "severely" to describe the intensity or degree of an action or state, often with negative connotations. For example, "The budget cuts "severely affected" the program."

What are some alternatives to "severely"?

You can use alternatives like "gravely", "seriously", or "badly" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "severely" in formal writing?

Yes, "severely" is appropriate for formal writing when you need to emphasize the intensity or seriousness of a situation or action. It is commonly used in news reports, academic papers, and professional documents.

What's the difference between "severely" and "strongly"?

"Severely" typically implies a negative impact or a high degree of intensity that causes harm or damage. "Strongly", on the other hand, simply indicates a high degree of force or conviction, without necessarily implying a negative outcome. For example, "The economy was "severely affected" by the recession" versus "I "strongly believe" in this cause".