The phrase "are rather harsh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is perceived as severe or unkind, often in relation to criticism or treatment.
Example: "The comments made by the judge during the trial are rather harsh and may affect the defendant's mental state."
Alternatives: "are quite severe" or "are rather severe".
Career opportunities are rather harsh for the creative artist.
"My shooting conditions are rather harsh (cold, rain, snow, mud, you name it) and I am quite demanding, that's why I prefer to work with people I know from before—I probably wouldn't feel comfortable torturing complete strangers".
These shadows are rather harsh and, frankly, ugly.
"The red card was rather harsh, but I suspect it might be a blessing in disguise for the Italians," hums Prateek Chadha.
Nick Starling London Peter Clarke (Letters, 5 January) is being rather harsh on his north American acquaintances when they refer to a "British" accent.
He said it would be "rather harsh" if things continued for the next three years the way they've gone for the last five.
L'Oréal Men Expert Pure Power Charcoal Face Wash (£6.35) is effective at stripping away grease, although the wash can be rather harsh and leaves skin feeling dry, so it would be best coupled with a good moisturiser.
Gary Neville - a player who was among the best right-backs in the world during his time at Old Trafford and also has a case - agrees that his former manager's list was rather harsh and believes that Keane and Schmeichel especially should have been on that list - although he does dismiss the notion as "pub talk".
The Green Ray (99 mins, PG) Directed by Eric Rohmer; starring Marie Rivière, Vincent Gauthier, Béatrice Romand Fifteen years ago, I was rather harsh on Eric Rohmer's The Green Ray ( Le Rayon vert ), which is back for an extended run as part of a welcome National Film Theatre retrospective.
Ben, I think you are being rather harsh.
