a severe example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe example" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particularly harsh or extreme instance that serves as a warning or lesson. Example: "The company's failure to comply with safety regulations was a severe example of the consequences of negligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Buy from Amazon.co.uk (ISBN=unknown THE current financial crisis is merely a severe example of the panics and crashes that have dotted economic history.

The Economist

What he and his co-authors mean by that is that the bursting of the debt bubble three years ago was not just a severe example of the ups and downs that are an inevitable part of American capitalism.

The New York Times

That crime, described by prosecutors as one of the most horrific in the history of Suffolk County, appeared to have been a severe example of a national epidemic involving drugstore robberies by prescription drug addicts.

The New York Times

The crime, on June 19 at Haven Drugs on the county's South Shore, appeared to have been a severe example of a national epidemic involving drugstore robberies by prescription drug addicts.

The New York Times

When reflecting on the Center for Disease Control data that reported 15% of high school students have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, he called it "a national disaster of dangerous proportions". The use of stimulant medication for behavioral control of students serves as a severe example of Educational Trauma.

HuffPost

This participant expressed frustration with the narrow scope of needs that were prioritized and which seemed to her more driven by donor priorities than by population needs, resulting in a '… a severe example of this … high-publicity, short-term um, kind of fly-by-night humanitarian response'.

Global Health Action

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The rapid growth of the textile industry has led to the accumulation of various organic pollutants, with dyes accumulating in bodies of water as a particularly severe example.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Consider a more severe example, Jehovah's Witnesses' faith requires that they not receive blood transfusions.

WikiHow

But the strife, an unusually severe example of many reported clashes over farm taxes in recent years, was also a symptom of a deep economic malaise with no simple answer.

The New York Times

We can find an even more severe example of this effect, however, if we put liquid water in a vacuum chamber, and then rapidly evacuate the air.

Forbes

The crime appeared to have been the most severe example of a wave of drugstore robberies by prescription drug addicts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a severe example", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the example particularly extreme or noteworthy. Provide enough detail to illustrate the severity.

Common error

Avoid using "a severe example" as a generic intensifier. Always provide specific details that demonstrate why the example is considered severe, otherwise, it may come across as vague and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe example" functions as a noun phrase, specifically serving as a subject complement or an appositive. It typically identifies or describes something as an instance of something extreme or intense, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a severe example" is a grammatically sound phrase used to highlight an extreme or intense instance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English. While not overly frequent, occurring mostly in News & Media and Science contexts, it serves the purpose of emphasizing gravity or significance. When using the phrase, be sure to provide sufficient context to illustrate the severity. Alternatives such as "a grave example" or "a dire example" can be considered for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave example

Replaces "severe" with "grave", emphasizing the seriousness and potential consequences of the example.

a dire example

Substitutes "severe" with "dire", suggesting a situation of great urgency or desperation.

a drastic example

Changes "severe" to "drastic", highlighting the extreme and potentially transformative nature of the example.

a harsh example

Replaces "severe" with "harsh", focusing on the unpleasant or difficult aspects of the example.

a striking example

Swaps "severe" with "striking", emphasizing the noteworthiness and impressiveness of the example.

a extreme instance

Replaces the entire phrase to denote the unusual or exceptional degree.

an egregious case

Changes the phrase to focus on something outstandingly bad or shocking.

a telling case

Replaces "severe example" with a phrase that indicates the example reveals significant information or insight.

a pointed illustration

Illustrates something in a direct and forceful way to highlight a particular aspect.

a vivid depiction

Emphasizes the clarity and detail of the example, making it memorable and impactful.

FAQs

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

You can use "a severe example" to illustrate an extreme case or instance of something. For example, "The recent economic downturn is "a severe example" of the risks associated with unregulated financial markets."

What are some alternatives to "a severe example"?

Alternatives include "a grave example", "a dire example", or "a drastic example", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a severe example" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a severe example" when you want to highlight an instance that is particularly extreme, noteworthy, or serves as a strong warning or illustration. Ensure that the context clarifies why the example is considered severe.

Is there a difference between "a severe example" and "a bad example"?

"A severe example" implies a greater degree of intensity or extremity than "a bad example". "A severe example" suggests something that is not only negative but also unusually harsh or impactful.