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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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austere

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "austere" is correct and usable in written English.
Austere typically describes something that is stern, severe, or devoid of luxury and pleasure. Example sentence: The austere chapel was almost devoid of any decorations or furnishings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By European standards, British austerity has not, therefore, been terribly austere; government spending has fallen in real terms by only 7% since the Tories came to power in 2010.

News & Media

The Economist

From childhood an Indian is brought up on the notion that austerity and a contented life is good.Mr Narayan's own upbringing was not austere.

News & Media

The Economist

The puffin seems eminently suitable to be our national bird: a dapper little character who is equally at home on sea or land, given to hedonistic feasting when the seasons allow, but also capable of austere self-denial (they spend their winters out in the North Atlantic).

The people spoke and with a decided voice: in England they called for a conservative approach to social policy and economics, while in Scotland, giving the SNP a landslide, the Scots have demanded a radically different and less austere road than the rest of Britain.

The songs fell silent when people reached the austere amphitheatre of the Union Buildings, built in light sandstone a century ago and in the style of the ancients – the government describes it as a "modern-day acropolis" atop a hill.

News & Media

The Guardian

Her values were simple and straightforward, based on the austere Methodism of her childhood – hard work, self-discipline and thrift.

News & Media

The Guardian

With the help of Henning Kristiansen's atmospheric cinematography, in a range of muted primary colours, Axel captures the bleak Jutland peninsula of the 1870s, where live two unmarried sisters (Bodil Kjer, Birgitte Federspiel), daughters of the former pastor, and founder of an austere religious sect, who devote themselves to keeping alive his memory and his teachings in the tiny remote community.

+33 5 5340 8924, chateauderodie.com Nothing austere about this imposing, lovingly restored, 15th-century fortified castle in Usseau.

For fans of a plain, austere look, there is a simple Putin headshot, mouth set in an implacable determination and eyes hidden behind a pair of shades, embossed on a plain white or black t-shirt.

News & Media

The Guardian

So while this certainly is an austere budget – and very much so for certain sections of the population in broader economic terms it is not the massive slamming on the brakes that it could have been.

It's more than likely that some are descendants of bulbs bred in the mid-19th century by William Backhouse, who hybridised them in the grounds of his austere country house high above Wolsingham, among conifer plantations and windswept moorland at St Johns, on the edge of Pikestone Fell.

News & Media

The Guardian
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "austere" to describe environments, lifestyles, or policies that are deliberately simple and without luxury or excess. It is especially effective when highlighting a contrast with more extravagant alternatives.

Common error

Don't use "austere" when you simply mean "difficult" or "challenging". While an "austere" situation can be difficult, the word specifically implies a deliberate lack of ornamentation or comfort, not just hardship.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The word "austere" functions primarily as an adjective. It is used to describe a noun, indicating that it is severe or stern in appearance or manner; or lacking in luxury, ornamentation, or comfort. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "austere" is an adjective primarily used to describe something severe, simple, or lacking ornamentation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It commonly appears in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "austere", ensure it aligns with its connotations of simplicity and a deliberate lack of embellishment, rather than just difficulty. Related terms include "severe", "strict", and "unadorned". Avoid using "austere" to generally describe difficult situations. Remember to consider the overall tone and formality of your writing when incorporating this word.

FAQs

How to use "austere" in a sentence?

You can use "austere" to describe a simple and unadorned style, like in the sentence, "The room had an "austere" design". It can also describe policies or lifestyles that are very strict or frugal.

What can I say instead of "austere"?

You can use alternatives like "severe", "strict", or "unadorned" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "austere" or "ostentatious"?

"Austere" describes something simple and without luxury, while "ostentatious" describes something showy and extravagant. They are antonyms with opposite meanings.

What's the difference between "austere" and "ascetic"?

"Austere" generally refers to simplicity and lack of ornamentation, while "ascetic" specifically relates to rigorous self-discipline and abstention from worldly pleasures, often for religious reasons. "Ascetic" implies a voluntary choice for self-denial.

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: