a severe method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a method that is harsh, strict, or extreme in nature. Example: "The researchers employed a severe method to ensure the accuracy of their results, which involved rigorous testing and strict protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Rock tumbling is a severe method of cleaning coins, rock tumble when you have a large quantity of coins to process.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

While these approaches showed promise, they were not practical and a less severe method of inducing satellite cell activation was required.

Human Molecular Genetics

He would not go to a funeral without a coat, and he also had the same severe method of behavior toward other things, such as France's foreign relations.

The New Yorker

We prepared nanocrystalline Ni by a severe deformation method – high-energy ball milling – and collected neutron diffraction patterns during the annealing of nanocrystalline Ni.

Acta Materialia

Such a total score can be used to order people on a DSH latent construct, with high scores indicating a progression to more severe methods.

BMC Psychiatry

Some of those captured in the first two years after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks were subjected to particularly severe methods, including waterboarding, which induces a feeling of drowning.

The New York Times

These parents may be used to the traditional parenting style where children are raised in a strict or serious way [ 32, 33] and where it is thought that severe methods of teaching, physical and oral punishment are a kind of general form of education [ 34].

BMC Public Health

Although Mr. Rumsfeld later disallowed some of the most severe methods, including the removal of clothing and the use of dogs to induce stress, disclosures about the harsh methods lent credence to charges of abuse leveled by former detainees.

The New York Times

Even in schools that do have suspension centers, many teachers have not bothered removing students because under the law, they must first try less severe methods of dealing with disruptive behavior, carefully document the behavior and have formal approval from their principal.

The New York Times

The government of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Argentina's president, has been trying to stop the capital outflow, which nearly doubled to $21.5 billion last year from $11.4 billion in 2010, with increasingly severe methods.

The New York Times

He Weifang, a law professor at Peking University and critic of Mr. Bo's policies, said the announcement "indicates that the senior decision makers are furious with Bo's behavior, and they are going to adopt the most severe methods against him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a method, consider whether "severe" accurately reflects the intended meaning. If the method is simply strict or rigorous, alternatives like "rigorous approach" or "strict procedure" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "severe method" when you actually mean an "effective method". "Severe" emphasizes harshness or intensity, while "effective" highlights the success of the method.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe method" functions as a noun phrase where 'severe' modifies the noun 'method'. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The phrase often indicates a harsh or strict approach.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a severe method" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a technique or approach characterized by harshness, strictness, or extremity. While Ludwig AI confirms its usability, it's essential to consider the connotation carefully. As the examples show, the phrase appears in varied contexts, including scientific research, news reporting, and general explanations. When using the phrase, consider alternatives like "rigorous approach" or "strict procedure" to avoid unintended emphasis on harshness. Be mindful of the subtle difference between a method that is merely effective and one that is intentionally severe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a rigorous approach

Emphasizes thoroughness and strict adherence to standards, differing in its focus on the process rather than the potential harshness.

a strict procedure

Highlights adherence to rules and protocols, shifting the focus from severity to precision.

a harsh technique

Replaces 'method' with 'technique', maintaining a similar level of intensity and negative connotation.

an extreme measure

Indicates a method that is drastic or radical, amplifying the sense of intensity and potentially deviating from conventional approaches.

a drastic solution

Focuses on the resolutive intention and on the high impact of the method applied.

a stringent process

Emphasizes the demanding and exacting nature of the method, replacing the negative 'severe' with 'stringent'.

a demanding methodology

Replaces 'method' with 'methodology', adding a layer of academic or formal tone, while emphasizing the rigor required.

an inflexible system

Focuses on the rigidity and lack of adaptability, while maintaining the severity.

an uncompromising tactic

Conveys the idea of a method that admits no exceptions or concessions, focusing on resolve rather than harshness.

a punitive strategy

Implies a method designed to punish or inflict pain, differing in its explicit focus on the negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a severe method" to describe an approach that is harsh, strict, or extreme. For example: "The company adopted "a severe method" of cost-cutting to avoid bankruptcy."

What can I say instead of "a severe method"?

You can use alternatives like "a rigorous approach", "a strict procedure", or "an extreme measure" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to describe a method as "severe"?

It's appropriate when the method is characterized by its intensity, strictness, or potential for harshness. However, consider if a less loaded term might be more suitable depending on the context.

What's the difference between "a severe method" and "a rigorous method"?

"A severe method" implies harshness or intensity, while "a rigorous method" suggests thoroughness and strict adherence to standards. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the harshness or the thoroughness of the method.