a severe blow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe blow" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a difficult event or situation. For example, "The family felt the news as a severe blow when they were told their loved one had passed away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He was severely injured after falling from a truck, breaking his collarbone and suffering a severe blow to the head.

Wikipedia

Today's announcement is a severe blow to such hopes".

The New York Times - Sports

Even so, some banks' pride will take a severe blow.

The New York Times

Joan's sudden death was, however, a severe blow.

The Guardian

The charges are a severe blow to the city.

The New York Times

"Their leaving is a severe blow for the industry.

Independent

That would be a severe blow to the American landscape.

The New York Times

This is a severe blow to Europe's self-image.

The Economist

Although they hope to continue, she said, the terrorist attacks dealt a severe blow.

The New York Times

If the statements are suppressed, it will be a severe blow to the government's case.

The New York Times

And if it does, it could be a severe blow to science.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a severe blow", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being negatively impacted and the extent of the damage or disruption.

Common error

Avoid using "a severe blow" when the situation is merely an inconvenience or a minor setback. Reserve this phrase for genuinely significant negative impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe blow" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It describes an event, action, or situation that has a significantly negative impact. Examples provided by Ludwig confirm its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a severe blow" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a significantly negative event or setback. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. When using the expression, make sure to contextualize the phrase to describe a situation that is not merely unfavorable but has caused substantial damage or disruption. If you want to replace the expression, consider alternatives such as "a major setback", "a crushing defeat", or "a dire blow" for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dire blow

This alternative suggests a more catastrophic or calamitous impact than the original phrase.

a tough blow

This alternative indicates a difficult or challenging setback, perhaps more emotionally taxing.

a major setback

This alternative focuses on the hindrance or delay caused by the event.

a harsh setback

The alternative replaces the word "blow" to setback.

a considerable shock

This alternative emphasizes the surprise and disruption caused.

a significant jolt

The alternative replaces the word "blow" to jolt.

a heavy hit

This alternative implies a substantial negative impact, often financially.

a crushing defeat

This alternative points toward the failure of a particular thing.

a grave disappointment

This alternative points toward unmet expectations.

a devastating event

The alternative replaces the word "blow" to event.

FAQs

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

Use "a severe blow" to describe a significantly negative event or setback. For example, "The company's stock price plummet was "a severe blow" to investors".

What phrases can I use instead of "a severe blow"?

You can use alternatives such as "a major setback", "a crushing defeat", or "a dire blow" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "a severe blow" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a severe blow" is generally more suited to formal or neutral writing contexts like news reports or academic papers. In informal settings, consider using a more casual term.

What makes "a severe blow" different from "a minor setback"?

"A severe blow" indicates a substantial negative impact with potentially long-lasting consequences, while "a minor setback" refers to a small, temporary impediment that is easily overcome.