a harsh example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a harsh example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or instance that serves as a severe or strict illustration of a point or lesson. Example: "The company's sudden closure was a harsh example of the consequences of poor financial management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Army, waging a war in Vietnam with so many black kids, was afraid of the influence the most famous black man would have, so it tried to make a harsh example of him.

The New York Times

But some analysts today viewed the attacks, which killed at least 29 people, including 7 Americans and 9 of the attackers, as a harsh example of what happens when extremism in any form is allowed to run unchecked.

The New York Times

The Carson case is just a harsh example.

Huffington Post

Despite the fact that the prosecuting attorney had stated that Kemba herself had never bought, sold or trafficked any drugs, the judge issued the 24.5-year sentence in a federal prison to set a harsh example.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

What a harsh lesson.

The Guardian - Sport

With winter food shortages looming ("We will still have sheep and potatoes" is how one Icelander put it to me) and people paying others to take on their now prohibitively-expensive car loans, Iceland has been dealt a very real and harsh example of the importance of prudence in the face of ambition and greed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sunday's execution in Park-e Honarmandan (Artists Park), near the crime scene, was part of a heavy-handed offensive by Iranian authorities, who say they are trying to prevent rising crime rates from getting out of hand by setting harsh examples.

The New York Times

These are three particularly harsh examples, spilling over into real life.

Huffington Post

However, when a turbine operates in a harsh environment, for example a volcanic ash attack, sand and ash particles ingested by the engine could be deposited on the TBC surfaces as molten calcium-magnesium-alumino-silicate (CMAS).

Surface and Coatings Technology

Mr. Giuliani's refusal to express sympathy to the Dorismond family at the time of the shooting in March and his attempt to discredit the victim, which shocked even Republicans, has been called the harshest example of the mayor's aggressive style.

The New York Times

Wong began using her newfound celebrity to make political statements: late in 1931, for example, she wrote a harsh criticism of the Mukden Incident and Japan's subsequent invasion of Manchuria.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a harsh example", ensure the context clearly establishes what principle or consequence the example is illustrating. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a harsh example" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your tone sound overly judgmental or severe. Vary your language by using alternative phrases like "a telling instance" or "a cautionary tale" to maintain a balanced perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a harsh example" functions as a noun phrase. It serves to identify a specific instance that vividly illustrates a principle or consequence, often of a negative or severe nature, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a harsh example" is a noun phrase used to describe a situation that serves as a severe illustration of a point or lesson. It is grammatically correct and, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, appropriate for use in written English. While its frequency is relatively rare, its presence in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian lends it authority. The phrase is commonly used in news and media contexts to emphasize the severity of a situation, serving as a warning or deterrent. When using "a harsh example", ensure clarity and consider alternatives like "a severe illustration" or "a cautionary tale" to avoid sounding overly judgmental.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a severe illustration

This alternative replaces "harsh" with "severe", emphasizing the intensity of the example.

a stark demonstration

Replacing "harsh example" with "stark demonstration" highlights the clear and often unpleasant nature of the example.

a grim reminder

This alternative shifts the focus to the cautionary aspect of the example, emphasizing its negative implications.

a cautionary tale

Using "cautionary tale" frames the example as a story with a moral, warning against certain behaviors or outcomes.

a telling instance

This option emphasizes the informative and revealing nature of the example.

a stringent lesson

This version focuses on the lesson learned from the example, highlighting its strictness and rigor.

a brutal case

Swapping "harsh example" with "brutal case" amplifies the severity and unpleasantness of the situation.

an extreme instance

This substitute highlights the exceptional and unusual nature of the example.

a regrettable situation

This phrase changes the focus to the unfortunate nature of the situation serving as an example.

a painful lesson

Using "painful lesson" emphasizes the negative emotional impact associated with the example and its consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "a harsh example" in a sentence?

You can use "a harsh example" to illustrate a negative consequence or outcome, such as, "The company's bankruptcy served as "a harsh example" of the risks of overexpansion."

What can I say instead of "a harsh example"?

You can use alternatives like "a severe illustration", "a stark demonstration", or "a cautionary tale" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a harsh example" or "an harsh example"?

"A harsh example" is correct. The indefinite article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "a harsh example" and "a hard lesson"?

"A harsh example" refers to a situation or instance that vividly illustrates a principle, especially a negative one. "A hard lesson" refers more directly to the learning experience gained from a difficult or unpleasant event.