draconian measures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draconian measures" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a set of rules or laws that are severe and oppressive. For example, "The government imposed draconian measures to discourage people from protesting against their policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the military's draconian measures backfired.

The New York Times

MIT does not need reactionary, draconian measures.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Butler quickly took draconian measures to subdue the people.

The New York Times

For the less business savvy, we need less draconian measures.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, there were widespread calls for much more draconian measures.

The Economist

And EPA has announced no plans to punish states using the draconian measures that Tribe claims.

Harvard University

Some, such as his austere deputy, Edmund Dell, argued for immediate draconian measures.

The Guardian

Boosting counterterrorism should not mean draconian measures that only alienate more citizens.

The Guardian - Opinion

Why hasn't he instituted draconian measures to free us from our dependence on Middle East oil?

The New York Times

Microsoft only counted "active" accounts and took draconian measures to deal with ones that weren't.

The Guardian - Tech

The reality is that draconian measures rarely make us safer and often jeopardise security.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "draconian measures" when you want to emphasize the excessive severity or harshness of rules or actions. It's best suited for formal writing or when discussing legal, political, or historical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "draconian measures" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase's formal and severe tone can sound out of place or overly dramatic in everyday contexts. Consider using simpler alternatives like "strict rules" or "tough actions" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draconian measures" functions as a noun phrase, where "draconian" modifies the noun "measures". As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes the nature of the measures being taken, indicating they are excessively harsh or severe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draconian measures" is a frequently used phrase, categorized as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, typically found in formal contexts such as news and academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and conveys actions or policies that are excessively harsh or severe. While it's a powerful descriptor, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic in informal contexts. Alternatives like "harsh steps" or "strict regulations" can be used when a less severe tone is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe actions

This emphasizes the gravity of the actions taken, aligning with the seriousness implied by "draconian measures".

harsh steps

This alternative conveys a similar sense of severity, but is less formal than "draconian measures".

extreme restrictions

This focuses on the limiting and inhibiting nature of the measures.

strict regulations

This alternative focuses on the rigidity and control associated with the measures.

stringent rules

This alternative emphasizes the strictness and adherence required by the measures, without the negative connotation of "draconian".

tough penalties

This highlights the punitive aspect of the measures, emphasizing the consequences of non-compliance.

repressive tactics

This suggests a deliberate attempt to suppress or control, often with negative connotations.

punitive sanctions

Similar to "tough penalties", this emphasizes the punishment aspect, often in a legal or political context.

coercive methods

This focuses on the use of force or pressure to achieve a desired outcome.

forceful interventions

This implies a strong and decisive action to change a situation, similar to the impact of "draconian measures".

FAQs

How to use "draconian measures" in a sentence?

The phrase "draconian measures" is used to describe actions or policies that are excessively harsh and severe. For example, "The government implemented "draconian measures" to control the spread of the disease".

What can I say instead of "draconian measures"?

You can use alternatives like "harsh steps", "severe actions", or "strict regulations" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "draconian measures" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "draconian measures" in formal writing or when discussing legal, political, or historical contexts where the severity of actions needs to be emphasized. However, avoid it in casual conversations.

What is the difference between "draconian measures" and "strict measures"?

"Draconian measures" implies a higher degree of severity and oppressiveness compared to "strict measures". While both refer to rules or actions, "draconian" suggests excessive harshness.