a greater severity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a greater severity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing an increase in the level of seriousness or harshness of a situation or condition. Example: "The recent storm caused a greater severity of damage than we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The average severity of injuries sustained at the scrum was 52 days, highlighting a greater severity of injury at the scrum when compared with the average for all match injuries," the report noted.

The Guardian - Sport

Because drugs like Actos and Avandia are typically used as second-line agents, the findings could reflect to some extent a greater severity of diabetes in people using them.

The New York Times

In the paintings ascribed to Bouts's mature period after he settled in Louvain, Rogier's influence gives way to a greater severity and dignity in the treatment of figures; there is a shift toward grander, more allegorical subjects as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scrums are safer after the change in the engagement process, but "the average severity of injuries sustained at the scrum was 52 days highlighting a greater severity of injury at the scrum when compared with the average for all match injuries.

The Guardian - Sport

A higher score indicates a greater severity.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Higher scores reflected a greater severity of dysmenorrhea.

Pain Management Nursing

Patients with poorly tolerated fluid depletion had a higher SOFA score, indicating a greater severity of these patients.

Annals of Intensive Care

Compared with patients without migraine, patients with migraine had a greater severity of PPS at baseline and post-treatment.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

These thrombophilic changes may cause an earlier appearance or lead to a late pregnancy complication of a greater severity.

European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

MDD patients with PPS have a greater severity of depression [3, 5], a poorer quality of life [6, 7], and an increased suicidal risk [8].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Our study showed that the presence of migraine among psychiatric outpatients was associated with a greater severity of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms, and a poorer HRQoL.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a greater severity", ensure it's followed by "of" and the specific condition or situation you're referring to. For example, "a greater severity of the storm" or "a greater severity of the illness."

Common error

Avoid using "a greater severity" when a simpler term like "worse" or "more severe" would suffice. It is most appropriate when comparing different degrees of the same condition or event, not merely describing a single instance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a greater severity" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a preposition or a complement in a sentence. It indicates a higher degree or intensity of something, often used in comparative contexts. Ludwig confirms the appropriateness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

66%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a greater severity" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a higher degree of seriousness or intensity, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's most frequently found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure it’s followed by "of" and the specific condition you are referring to. While alternatives like "increased intensity" or "heightened degree" exist, "a greater severity" is particularly useful for direct comparisons. Remember to consider the context to ensure the most precise and impactful language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increased intensity

Focuses on the intensity of something becoming greater.

heightened degree

Emphasizes an increase in the level or extent of something.

exacerbated condition

Suggests the worsening or aggravation of an existing condition.

aggravated state

Similar to 'exacerbated condition', highlighting a worsening state.

enhanced magnitude

Highlights the growth in size or importance.

intensified acuteness

Focuses on the sharp increase in severity or intensity.

more profound impact

Emphasizes the deeper or more significant effect.

elevated seriousness

Highlights the increase in the level of seriousness.

worsened gravity

Indicates that the weight or seriousness has increased.

amplified extent

Suggests an increase in the range or scope of something.

FAQs

How can I use "a greater severity" in a sentence?

Use "a greater severity" to compare the degree of seriousness of a condition or situation. For instance, "The second wave of the virus caused "a greater severity" of illness than the first."

What are some alternatives to using "a greater severity"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "increased intensity", "heightened degree", or "exacerbated condition" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "a greater severity" over "more severe"?

"A greater severity" is fitting when you're directly comparing levels of seriousness. "More severe" is apt when describing a single instance as particularly bad. For example: "This injury has "a greater severity" than the previous one" versus "This is a more severe injury."

Is "a greater severity" interchangeable with "increased severity"?

While similar, "a greater severity" implies a comparison between two or more instances, whereas "increased severity" simply indicates that something has become more severe over time or compared to a previous state. For example: "The patient experienced an "increased severity" of symptoms after stopping medication".