a severe measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe measure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a strict or harsh action taken in response to a situation or problem. Example: "The government implemented a severe measure to curb the rising crime rates in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Only one of the six studies examining depression [ 45], found a significant association and this was between a severe measure of depression 'suicidal thoughts and attempts' and excess GWG (among 'black' adolescents; OR 5.0; 95% CI 1.28 to 19.57).

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Therefore, any severe measure taken against a teacher, in my opinion, would be unfair".

Huffington Post

A more severe measure, "the inability to swallow or speak" in brainstem functions, was recorded if a patient had a claim coded to ICD-9-CM 438.82 (other late effects of cerebrovascular disease, dysphagia), 787.2x (dysphagia) or v41.6 (problems with swallowing and mastication) and assigned a weight of 5.

CNS Drugs

The criterion of longitudinal discordance in MZ twins represents a severe selection measure, as only 18 of the 1966 pairs with longitudinal data available meet this criterion.

European Journal of Human Genetics

While it sure sounds like a severe regulatory measure, FERC seems to be disguising the action by calling it "price mitigation" rather than "price caps".

Forbes

Fifty-eight percent of the state, meanwhile, is withering under "exceptional" drought, which is the most severe measure on the center's scale.

Huffington Post

In November 1991, the Senate Ethics Committee voted unanimously to reprimand Cranston, instead of the more severe measure that was under consideration: censure by the full Senate.

Wikipedia

In fact, African patients with the least severe measures of disease consistently had conversion rates similar to or lower than non-African patients with the most severe measure of disease.

Plosone

A severe stricture measuring 85 mm along the longitudinal axis was observed extending from the middle to lower thoracic esophagus Fig. 2 Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Surgical Case Reports

An upper gastrointestinal series revealed a severe stricture measuring 85 mm along the longitudinal axis from the middle to lower thoracic esophagus (Fig. 1).

Surgical Case Reports

"Recent events have demonstrated there is a need for concerted action and an urgency for more severe measures to be adopted".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a severe measure" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and potential impact of an action taken to address a problem or situation. It is particularly effective when the action is perceived as drastic or far-reaching.

Common error

Avoid using "a severe measure" when describing minor or routine actions. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the response is genuinely significant and impactful, ensuring that your language accurately reflects the gravity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe measure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, it describes a specific action or intervention that is characterized by its intensity and potential impact.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a severe measure" is a versatile term used to describe a significant action taken in response to a situation, often implying intensity and potential impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While frequently found in news and media, its presence in scientific and formal business writing indicates a broad applicability. When writing, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant a strong reaction, avoiding overuse in minor scenarios. Alternatives like "a drastic step" or "a harsh action" can offer subtle variations in meaning. Therefore, choose the phrasing that most precisely represents the situation you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a drastic step

Emphasizes the radical or extreme nature of the action taken.

a harsh action

Highlights the unpleasant or punitive nature of the measure.

a stringent regulation

Focuses on the strict and demanding nature of the rule or policy.

an extreme response

Underscores the intensity and far-reaching implications of the reaction.

a rigorous enforcement

Highlights the strict and thorough application of a rule or law.

a forceful intervention

Emphasizes the active and assertive nature of the action taken.

a tough penalty

Highlights the severity of the punishment or consequence imposed.

a firm decision

Focuses on the resolute and unwavering nature of the choice made.

a heavy sanction

Emphasizes the weight and impact of the imposed restriction or punishment.

a punitive action

Highlights the intent to punish or penalize through the measure.

FAQs

What does "a severe measure" mean?

The phrase "a severe measure" refers to a strict or harsh action taken in response to a particular situation, often implying that the situation is serious and requires a strong reaction.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a severe measure"?

It's appropriate to use "a severe measure" when describing a response to a problem that is considered serious, requires immediate action, and has potentially significant consequences. For example, in cases of public health crises or economic instability.

What are some alternatives to "a severe measure"?

You can use alternatives such as "a drastic step", "a harsh action", or "a stringent regulation" depending on the specific context.

Is "a severe measure" always negative?

While often associated with negative consequences or unpleasant actions, the phrase "a severe measure" can also be used in a neutral or even positive way when the action is deemed necessary to prevent a greater harm or achieve a beneficial outcome.