dire measures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dire measures" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe extreme or severe actions taken in response to a serious situation or crisis. Example: "In light of the escalating crisis, the government was forced to implement dire measures to ensure public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Proposals were floated for MOCA to merge or form a partnership with LACMA or the University of Southern California, but the threat of such dire measures quickly receded.

The New Yorker

The combination of the two killed him at 33. Russell was 5. Facing destitution after the death of her husband, Mr. Baker's mother took dire measures.

The Washington Post

Or what about another possibility, given Mr. Hemmerdinger's evident heartache over the proposed budget's dire measures: What if the board, all 23 members, in an act of civil disobedience, refused to pass a budget until state lawmakers rescued the transit system with more money?

The New York Times

Although napping daily isn't advised (sad, right?), such times call for dire measures- in this case should suffice.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The idea is that by increasing the likelihood of droughts in certain parts of the world, climate change is reducing crop productivity and driving people already in dire straits to take desperate measures such as joining rebellions.

Stanford University

According to UNICEF Representative in Somalia Rozanne Chorlton, the country's dire economic situation could be exacerbating the situation by forcing some children to undertake desperate measures.

Unicef

Conclusion: Despite dire austerity measures in Greece, support for an increase in tobacco taxation was high among both smokers and non-smokers, however, only when specifically earmarked towards health care and tobacco control.

Harvard University

The effect on unemployment appears to be especially dire: Austerity measures are generally followed by a jump in long-term unemployment that remains pronounced even five years after the fact.

Huffington Post

International officials predict a dire effect if the measures outlined are fully carried out.

The New York Times

The letter, signed by senior law academics, journalists and freedom of information campaigners, as well as groups such as Amnesty International, states that the consequences of the measures are dire for the justice system.

The Guardian

The court also noted that a defendant in a Wisconsin misdemeanor prosecution has a right to ask for continuances and to challenge prospective jurors on voir dire, and if 'these measures are still not sufficient to provide an impartial jury, the verdict can be set aside after trial based on the denial of a fair and impartial trial.' 41 Wis.2d, at 321, 164 N.W.2d, at 270.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dire measures" when you want to emphasize the severity of a situation and the necessity for drastic actions to be taken. It conveys a sense of urgency and the potential for negative consequences if action is not taken.

Common error

Avoid using "dire measures" in situations that are not genuinely serious or urgent. Using it inappropriately can sound hyperbolic and undermine the impact of your writing. For example, prefer "serious measures" or "necessary steps" for less critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire measures" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dire" modifies the noun "measures". It describes the nature of the measures being taken, indicating they are a response to a critical or urgent situation. Ludwig shows examples of it relating to austerity, economic situations and more.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dire measures" is a phrase used to describe actions taken in response to critical or urgent situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While the phrase is not overly common, it appears across various contexts, primarily in news and media, academia, and formal business settings. When using "dire measures", ensure the situation warrants the strong connotation of severity and urgency it conveys. Be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "serious measures" or "urgent actions" for less critical contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disastrous measures

Implies measures that are not only serious but also likely to have a very negative outcome.

atrocious measures

Suggests measures that are extremely bad or unpleasant, often causing shock or disgust.

desperate measures

Highlights the desperation and urgency driving the actions, implying a last-resort situation.

extreme measures

Focuses on the extremity or unusual nature of the actions taken, often going beyond what is considered normal or acceptable.

severe measures

Indicates actions that are strict, harsh, or demanding, often imposing significant penalties or restrictions.

dramatic measures

Emphasizes the visual or emotional impact of the measures, often used to attract attention or create a sense of urgency.

horrific measures

Implies measures that are shocking and appalling, causing widespread fear or revulsion.

grim measures

Suggests measures that are depressing or unpleasant to contemplate, often involving suffering or hardship.

urgent measures

Stresses the time-sensitive nature of the actions, indicating a need for immediate implementation.

serious measures

Highlights the gravity and importance of the actions, indicating a significant problem or threat.

FAQs

How can I use "dire measures" in a sentence?

You can use "dire measures" to describe extreme actions taken in response to a serious situation. For example, "The government implemented "dire measures" to combat the economic crisis."

What are some alternatives to "dire measures"?

Some alternatives to "dire measures" include "drastic measures", "extreme steps", or "severe actions depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use "dire measures"?

It is appropriate to use "dire measures" when describing actions taken in response to a situation that is extremely serious, urgent, and potentially catastrophic if not addressed. For example, in cases of widespread famine or economic collapse.

Is "dire measures" interchangeable with "desperate measures"?

While both phrases describe actions taken in response to a difficult situation, "dire measures" emphasizes the seriousness of the situation itself, while "desperate measures" emphasizes the desperation driving the actions. They are not always interchangeable.