a severe line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strict or harsh boundary, rule, or standard in various contexts, such as writing, art, or personal conduct. Example: "The artist drew a severe line between abstraction and realism, making a bold statement about the nature of perception."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She was a serious woman, invariably dressed in a pants suit, dark navy or gray, her black hair cut in a severe line just above her shoulders.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Jewish philosopher Maimonides, who influenced Aquinas, took a severer line, and argued that it was impossible to know God by assigning Him human attributes.

The New Yorker

Weather radar images showed a severe squall line had formed to the west, and weather stations to the west reported cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms.

Wikipedia

The results suggest that the conformational exchange that causes the severe line broadening of NMR signals may be due to a more complicated process than simply a monomer/dimer equilibrium.

Biochemistry

He also had the shoulders and sleeves of jackets cut to emphasize the severe line.

The New York Times

Due to severe line broadening at 15°C, the RNA molar ratio could only reach 1.6 for precise chemical shift measurements.

Protein & Cell

Note the NMR experiment could not be performed at 10°C due to severe line broadening of the free protein.

Protein & Cell

The juxtaposition of the severe line and rounded bottom will help elongate your face.

Huffington Post

The mutant proteins exhibit less severe line broadening, indicating faster exchange between the two tautomers.

Biochemistry

The equilibrium between the two tautomers causes severe line broadening of the His22 imidazole ring nitrogen resonances in the wild-type protein, with less severe line broadening for the P23T HgD and the P23S and P23V mutants.

Biochemistry

Some peaks showed small initial chemical shift changes and severe line broadening at substoichiometric levels of IscU.

Biochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a severe line" to describe a visual element, consider how the sharpness and intensity of the line contribute to the overall tone and message of the artwork or design.

Common error

Avoid using "a severe line" solely in negative contexts. While "severe" often implies harshness, it can also denote precision, clarity, or a powerful impact. Consider the specific nuance you intend to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe line" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "severe" modifies the noun "line". It is used to describe something that is strict, harsh, or unyielding. Ludwig AI supports this understanding by providing various examples of its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

45%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a severe line" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to indicate a strict, harsh, or unyielding boundary. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applications span across various contexts including news, science, and design. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the connotations of "severe", which can imply both negativity and precision. Explore alternatives like "a strict boundary" or "a harsh demarcation" to best align with your intended meaning. Remember to consider the implications of strength and potential rigidity in your usage, and adjust the language as required to communicate clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strict boundary

Emphasizes the rigidity and inflexibility of the line.

a harsh demarcation

Highlights the unpleasant or unforgiving nature of the separation.

a rigid limit

Focuses on the unyielding aspect of the boundary.

a firm guideline

Implies a structured and unwavering set of rules.

a stark contrast

Emphasizes the sharp difference created by the line.

a critical threshold

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of crossing the line.

a sharp distinction

Focuses on the clarity and precision of the boundary.

an unyielding standard

Stresses the inflexibility and high expectations associated with the line.

a definitive border

Emphasizes the finality and conclusiveness of the boundary.

a clear division

Focuses on the easily perceptible separation created by the line.

FAQs

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

You can use "a severe line" to describe a strict boundary, a harsh rule, or a stark contrast. For example, "The judge drew a severe line regarding acceptable evidence".

What are some alternatives to "a severe line"?

Some alternatives include "a strict boundary", "a harsh demarcation", or "a rigid limit", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a severe line" or "a strict line"?

Both "a severe line" and "a strict line" are grammatically correct, but "severe" implies a greater degree of intensity or harshness than "strict".

What does it mean to draw "a severe line"?

To draw "a severe line" means to establish a firm and often inflexible boundary or limit, typically with significant consequences for crossing it.