a severe step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or decision that is drastic or serious in nature, often implying significant consequences. Example: "The company took a severe step by laying off a large portion of its workforce to cut costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Since Clemens's intent was unknowable to the umpiring crew, and no one was hurt in the incident, his ejection would have been a severe step that would have deprived the Yankees of one of their most effective starting pitchers before the end of the first inning.

The New York Times

After all, reducing benefits is a severe step that would hurt a lot of the people who are most in need.

Huffington Post

It sounds crazy, but if the First Lady's plan works and we actually slim down and become healthy, millions of jobs will be lost, the economy will take a severe step backward, and hundreds of politicians will lose important financial support from the lobbies representing companies in the aforementioned industries.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"It is a very severe step, asking someone of Bobby Pawar's stature to leave," he said, adding that it would not have been a local decision.

The New York Times

And also, the presented convergence is unconditional for the time step in terms of the spatial grid size, in comparison with a severe time step restriction, Δt≤Ch2, required in many existing works.

Applied Numerical Mathematics

But if Commissioner Bud Selig is intent on trying to take that severe step, here is a modest proposal: lop Florida off the major league map and no one will miss it.

The New York Times - Sports

Switzerland has banned sales of Volkswagen diesel cars in the most severe step taken so far by a government in reaction to the emissions crisis.

The Guardian - Business

The Pew Health Professions Commission Report [ 80] issued a report recommending more severe steps, such as the closing of some medical schools and tightening the visa process for international medical graduates.

Human Resources for Health

A Focus on Prevention Since then, countries visited by this new plague have taken increasingly severe steps in order to control further spread of a disease that has eluded many conventional infection barriers.

The New York Times

Before such severe steps were taken, however, the dealer was summoned to Uncle Sal's, a restaurant run by the Gravano family in Arizona, federal prosecutors said.

The New York Times

Proponents say that less severe steps are likely, like requiring automakers to make improvements by using more fuel-efficient technologies or measures to expand public transportation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a policy change or a disciplinary action, use "a severe step" to convey the seriousness and potential consequences of the action. For example: "Imposing sanctions was a severe step, but necessary to deter further violations."

Common error

Avoid using "a severe step" to describe minor inconveniences or trivial decisions. Save it for situations that genuinely involve significant consequences or serious implications. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe step" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It refers to an action or decision characterized by its intensity and potential consequences. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a severe step" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant action or decision with serious implications. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it's grammatically correct and functions to convey gravity and potential consequences. While its frequency is rare, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. When using the phrase, consider its weight and reserve it for situations that warrant such emphasis. Remember to avoid overuse in situations where the action is not genuinely significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a drastic action

Emphasizes the radical nature of the action.

a harsh measure

Highlights the potential negative impact or strictness of the measure.

a rigorous course of action

Focuses on the disciplined and thorough nature of the action.

a stern decision

Highlights the firmness and seriousness of the decision.

a critical intervention

Emphasizes the importance and necessity of the intervention.

a far-reaching decision

Implies that the decision has extensive and long-lasting effects.

an extreme measure

Emphasizes that the action taken is outside the norm and possibly controversial.

a forceful action

Highlights the strength and decisiveness behind the action.

a significant move

Emphasizes the importance of the action for future results.

an impactful decision

Highlights the strong effect or influence of the decision.

FAQs

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

Use "a severe step" to describe a drastic or significant action, often implying serious consequences. For example, "The company's decision to close the plant was "a severe step" that affected many families".

What are some alternatives to "a severe step"?

You can use alternatives like "a drastic action", "a harsh measure", or "an extreme measure" depending on the specific context.

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

It's appropriate when describing actions or decisions with significant and potentially negative consequences. Avoid using it for minor or trivial situations.

What is the difference between "a severe step" and "a drastic measure"?

While both phrases indicate a significant action, "a severe step" often emphasizes the gravity or potential negative impact of the action, whereas "a drastic measure" highlights the radical or extreme nature of the action.