The phrase "a stern test for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a challenging situation or evaluation that someone or something must face.
Example: "The upcoming exam will be a stern test for all the students who have been preparing for months."
Alternatives: "a tough challenge for" or "a rigorous assessment for".
This overtime was a stern test for the Devils.
"They are going to be a stern test for us," said Strauss.
When Dye designed the course, he intended it to be a stern test for the world's best golfers.
Fassel remained noncommittal on Sehorn's status for the game Nov. 12 against the high-scoring St . LouisRams, a stern test for any cornerback.
Todd Bowles' team boast a 4-1 record and their defence, led by former Patriot Darrelle Revis, will provide a stern test for the Patriots on Sunday.
With an offence consistently producing over 400 yards-per-game, they will provide a stern test for Dallas' defence should Sanchez keep the mistakes limited.
In time, the conflict of civilisations between TV and the web will pose a sterner test for Britain's commercial broadcasters.
Their concern would unquestionably be rooted in the conviction that Tynecastle would be a sterner test for Smith's side than Easter Road.
As part of this policy shift, transport strategies are now to be assessed under the New Approach to Appraisal (NATA) which is designed to promote sustainability and provide a sterner test for new road proposals.
TSMC makes chips by the bucketload for designers such as Qualcomm, an American company which provides the brains of more smartphones than anyone else, and MediaTek, its neighbour in Hsinchu, which sold 110m smartphone chipsets in 2012 and expects to sell 200m in 2013.The change is a sterner test for firms that built their success on the PC.
Up next was a sterner test for the precocious SEC ballclub.
