be more stringent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be more stringent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need for stricter rules, regulations, or standards in a particular context. Example: "In order to ensure safety, we must be more stringent in our compliance measures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They should be more stringent".

The New York Times

Brooker feels NGOs should be more stringent.

The Guardian

Unemployment assistance would be more stringent.

The Washington Post

In larger markets like New York, restrictions seem to be more stringent.

The New York Times

First, umpires need to be more stringent in applying existing penalties for slow over rates.

The Economist

Actually, many requirements in the ground-based detectors turn out to be more stringent than the ones in space.

Advances in Space Research

We'd thought there might be a subsequent set of rules that would be more stringent in a Democratic administration.

Stanford University

"I pledge that I will never be more lenient than the review board, though I may be more stringent".

The New York Times

The proposals for a registry and monitoring appear to be more stringent than policies adopted by other dioceses.

The New York Times

The decision last week creates an emissions cap that many countries had hoped would be more stringent.

The Washington Post

"Sometimes, the standards they adopt might even be more stringent than what is required by law". Others are more cautious.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for stricter measures, clearly state the specific area where you want things to "be more stringent". For example, "We need to be more stringent with quality control measures."

Common error

Avoid using "be more stringent" as a knee-jerk reaction. Ensure you have a solid rationale for why current measures are insufficient and how increased stringency will lead to tangible improvements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be more stringent" functions as a comparative directive, indicating a need for stricter enforcement or higher standards. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound phrase widely used across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

25%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be more stringent" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a comparative directive, advocating for stricter measures across various fields. Its usage is prominent in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using "be more stringent", ensure you provide a clear justification and specify the area needing increased stringency to avoid overuse and ensure effective communication. Alternatives like "tighten regulations" or "toughen enforcement" can offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tighten regulations

Focuses specifically on making regulations stricter.

toughen enforcement

Emphasizes making the application of rules more rigorous.

impose stricter rules

Highlights the act of establishing more demanding rules.

increase rigor

Focuses on enhancing the thoroughness and precision of a process.

apply greater scrutiny

Stresses the importance of closer examination and attention to detail.

strengthen oversight

Indicates improving the supervision and control of a process.

escalate control measures

Focuses on increasing the intensity of control procedures.

intensify monitoring

Emphasizes the act of closely observing and tracking something.

heighten vigilance

Highlights the need for increased alertness and watchfulness.

demand greater compliance

Stresses the importance of adhering to stricter standards.

FAQs

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

You can use "be more stringent" to suggest that rules, regulations, or policies should be stricter or more strictly enforced. For instance, "The regulations need to "be more stringent" to protect the environment".

What are some alternatives to "be more stringent"?

Alternatives include "tighten regulations", "toughen enforcement", or "impose stricter rules", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "be more stringent" or "be stricter"?

Both phrases are correct, but "be more stringent" often implies a formal or official context, while "be stricter" is more general. The best choice depends on the specific situation and the level of formality required.

In what situations is it appropriate to suggest that something "be more stringent"?

It's appropriate when existing rules or measures are not effective enough, and stricter enforcement or higher standards are needed to achieve a desired outcome, such as improved safety, compliance, or quality.