Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a very harsh environment
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a very harsh environment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a setting that is extremely difficult or challenging, often in relation to nature, living conditions, or work situations. Example: "The researchers conducted their experiments in a very harsh environment, where temperatures often dropped below freezing and resources were scarce."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
10 human-written examples
"The challenge was to get long-term data from a small package in a very harsh environment," he said.
News & Media
This is particularly true for Point of Load (PoL) converters that, being located as close as possible to the loads, must operate in a very harsh environment.
Science
"It has a very harsh environment, it has only 300 millimetres of rain annually, compared to parts of the Sahel which gets 400-600 millimetres, but the government has invested in roads and electricity.
News & Media
This paper presents a detailed approach for the ventilation control of an underground space, as an example of application of the developed solution to a very harsh environment but also highly demanding in terms of energy consumption.
Science
It's just the vast landscapes, and the sense of freedom, I don't know, because I guess at the same time you're so vulnerable in that environment, it's a very harsh environment and you won't survive for long if things go wrong.
News & Media
But in addition to the power constraint, WSNs are prone to failure as they are deployed in a very harsh environment.
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
The impressive development of novel photon detectors for Cherenkov imaging devices has enabled the very demanding hadron-identification performance required to study CP violation in B meson decays and to assure a successful operation in the very harsh environment produced by colliding lead nuclei head-on at the unprecedented energies of the LHC collider.
"There are plenty of other volcanoes all around the world that I could go to, but Erebus is very special not just for its activity but you also live in this very harsh environment for a month.
News & Media
Bombina maxima possess strong ability to survival in very harsh environment with a more mature immune system.
Science
In our previous studies, the Chinese red belly frog (Bombina maxima) has various different skin secretions defencing external stimulus, which is an endemic amphibian and lives in very harsh environments of the mountainous regions of southwestern China.
Science
The neutron filters will operate in a very harsh electromagnetic environment.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing the specific challenges of "a very harsh environment", provide concrete examples of those challenges to enhance clarity and impact.
Common error
Avoid relying solely on "very harsh". Specify the exact elements that make the environment harsh, such as extreme temperatures, limited resources, or dangerous conditions.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a very harsh environment" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It typically modifies another noun, providing information about the qualities of the environment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in written English.
Frequent in
Science
32%
News & Media
50%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Wiki
12%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "a very harsh environment" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a setting characterized by difficult or challenging conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for use in written English. Its primary function is descriptive, conveying a sense of adversity. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is frequently used in news and media, and scientific contexts. To enhance your writing, be specific about what makes an environment "very harsh" rather than relying on vague adjectives. Consider alternatives like "an extremely severe setting" or "a considerably hostile climate" to add nuance.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
an extremely severe setting
Emphasizes the intensity and difficulty of the environment.
a considerably hostile climate
Focuses on the antagonistic nature of the environmental conditions.
a particularly unforgiving landscape
Highlights the lack of leniency or support offered by the surroundings.
a notably difficult situation
Shifts the focus from the physical environment to a broader set of circumstances.
a markedly challenging condition
Emphasizes the demanding aspects of the context.
an exceptionally rigorous atmosphere
Highlights the stringency and demanding nature of the environment.
a tremendously adverse surrounding
Emphasizes the negative and harmful aspects of the environment.
an especially trying circumstance
Focuses on the stressful and testing nature of the situation.
a remarkably austere condition
Highlights the bareness and lack of comfort in the environment.
a decidedly unfriendly terrain
Emphasizes the unwelcoming and unsupportive nature of the land.
FAQs
How can I use "a very harsh environment" in a sentence?
You can use "a very harsh environment" to describe a setting with extremely difficult conditions, such as, "The research team struggled to survive in "a very harsh environment" due to the lack of resources".
What are some alternatives to "a very harsh environment"?
Alternatives include "an extremely severe setting", "a considerably hostile climate", or "a particularly unforgiving landscape", depending on the specific context.
Is it better to say "a harsh environment" or "a very harsh environment"?
Both are grammatically correct, but "a very harsh environment" emphasizes the intensity of the conditions. You might also consider stronger single-word adjectives like "severe" or "extreme".
What makes an environment "a very harsh environment"?
An environment can be described as "a very harsh environment" due to factors such as extreme weather, limited resources, dangerous wildlife, or other challenging conditions that make survival difficult.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested