a heavy crackdown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heavy crackdown" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strict or severe enforcement action taken by authorities against illegal activities or behaviors. Example: "The government announced a heavy crackdown on drug trafficking in the region to ensure public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"There will be a heavy crackdown".

The New York Times

As a heavy crackdown followed demonstrations and rioting, he pleaded with US officials to take action that would "make an impact" in Beijing.

The Guardian

Despite there recently being a heavy crackdown on the Brotherhood – which authorities have banned since 2013 and denounced as a 'terrorist organisation' – this incident is seen to be the deadliest the capital has seen in months.

Independent

Though the Bashir government avoided the Arab Spring-style uprisings seen across the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, protests similar to what was witnessed this week have been met with a heavy crackdown on protesters, activists and journalists.

Independent

Today, amid a heavy crackdown on dissent, they sound cruelly prescient.One of the most prominent literati, Ai Weiwei, is among dozens of activists the security forces have rounded up recently.

The Economist

Islamists have staged regular protests demanding Mr Morsis's reinstatement, but have been met with a heavy crackdown in which hundreds have died.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The governor toys with the idea of a heavier crackdown, but it is plain that only a political agreement has a chance of restoring calm and preventing the pesky Bedouin from soliciting outside support, which would make Sinai even more dangerous.

The Economist

"But after a year and a half of demonstrations under the heavy crackdown, the people will not give up".

The New York Times

But a religious ruling banning demonstrations and a heavy police crackdown appeared to have intimidated most potential protesters.

The New York Times

Tibet's capital Lhasa suffered from serious riots in March 2008, which were also followed by a heavy government crackdown.

The Economist

Their protest movement, largely quelled by a heavy police crackdown, has gained new energy since Friday, when an influential former president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, delivered a speech urging the government to recognize a broad lack of public confidence in the results.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a heavy crackdown", ensure the context clearly indicates who is enacting the crackdown and the target of the action for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a heavy crackdown" in contexts that lack factual backing or rely on sensationalized reporting. Ensure the situation warrants such a strong description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a heavy crackdown" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a specific action taken by an authority, as seen in Ludwig examples where crackdowns follow protests or target illegal activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a heavy crackdown" is a noun phrase used to describe severe and forceful actions taken by authorities, typically to suppress dissent or illegal activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. The phrase conveys intensity and strict enforcement. While the phrase is neutral in register, it's essential to ensure factual backing when using it and consider alternatives like "strict enforcement" or "severe clampdown" for specific applications. This ensures clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firm clampdown

Emphasizes the resolute and decisive nature of the suppression.

resolute clampdown

Focuses on the unwavering and firm application of restrictive measures.

severe clampdown

Emphasizes the forceful suppression of activities or opposition.

intense suppression

Highlights the forceful and comprehensive nature of the control.

vigorous suppression

Stresses the energetic and thorough effort to control.

determined suppression

Highlights the resolve and commitment to quashing dissent.

strict enforcement

Focuses on the rigorous application of rules and laws.

forceful repression

Focuses on the use of force to subdue dissent or resistance.

stringent enforcement

Highlights the strictness and precision of the applied measures.

rigid enforcement

Highlights the strict and inflexible application of rules.

FAQs

What does "a heavy crackdown" mean?

The phrase "a heavy crackdown" refers to a severe and forceful action taken by authorities to suppress dissent, illegal activities, or any form of opposition.

What can I say instead of "a heavy crackdown"?

You can use alternatives like "strict enforcement", "severe clampdown", or "intense suppression" depending on the context.

Is "a heavy crackdown" formal or informal?

The phrase "a heavy crackdown" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's most frequently found in news and media reporting.

How to use "a heavy crackdown" in a sentence?

Example: "The government announced "a heavy crackdown" on corruption to restore public trust".