be more severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be more severe" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase in a variety of contexts when you want to suggest that a particular action should be more intense or serious. For example, "We need to be more severe in our punishment of those who break the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sentences tend to be more severe.

The Economist

But backlash can be more severe.

The Economist

"That charge would be more severe.

The New York Times

The losses will be more severe for highly paid employees.

The New York Times

At the state level the problems could be more severe.

The New York Times

On some other campuses, the punishment can be more severe.

The New York Times - Tech

The effect on smaller firms could be more severe.

The Guardian

The penalty turned out to be more severe.

The Washington Post

"It will be more severe over time," Mr. Helton said.

The New York Times

This effect was found to be more severe than assumed previously.

Chemical Engineering Science

But he said some of their injuries would be more severe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be more severe", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is becoming more severe. Specificity enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "be more severe" in casual conversation. Opt for less formal alternatives like "get tougher" or "be stricter" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more severe" functions primarily as a verb phrase expressing a comparative degree of intensity or strictness. It indicates a need for heightened severity in a given context, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples showcasing its use in discussions about consequences and penalties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be more severe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that calls for increased intensity, strictness, or rigor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it is important to consider the register, avoiding overuse in informal settings. The suggested alternative phrases, such as "be more stringent" and "be more strict", offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Remember to be clear about what requires heightened severity when using this phrase to enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more stringent

Focuses on making rules or regulations stricter or more precisely defined.

be more strict

Emphasizes a stricter or more rigorous application of rules or standards.

be more harsh

Highlights a greater level of unpleasantness or cruelty in dealing with a situation.

be more rigorous

Suggests a need for thoroughness and precision in a process or action.

be more drastic

Indicates the necessity of taking extreme or radical actions.

be more intense

Focuses on increasing the degree of emotional or physical intensity.

be more acute

Highlights a greater sharpness or intensity of a problem or sensation.

be more grievous

Focuses on increasing the severity of suffering, damage, or loss.

be more forceful

Suggests the need for a stronger or more assertive approach.

be more punitive

Emphasizes the imposition of punishment for an offense.

FAQs

How can I use "be more severe" in a sentence?

You can use "be more severe" to describe actions, consequences, or conditions that need to increase in intensity. For example, "The penalties for cheating should "be more severe"".

What's a formal alternative to "be more severe"?

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "be more stringent", "be more rigorous", or "be more drastic" to maintain a professional tone.

What words are similar to "be more severe"?

Similar phrases include "be more harsh", "be more strict", and "be more intense", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "be more severe"?

Use "be more severe" when you want to emphasize the need for increased strictness, intensity, or seriousness in a particular situation or action. It's often used in discussions about rules, penalties, or consequences.