drastically

USAGE SUMMARY

'drastically' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adverb that is used to describe a marked change or difference. For example: The government has drastically reduced public spending in response to the economic downturn.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As against what he sees as Ukip's "unintelligent" approach, Cash has tended to style himself as a "Eurorealist", believing – in theory, at least – that the EU could be so could drastically reformed that he and his Eurosceptic allies would be happy staying in.

The Guardian

You say I have 'pared down our liberty at an astonishing rate', then list a whole lot of fundamental rights, as if these had all been drastically curtailed.

The Guardian - Opinion

To change position so drastically, to break from their own very recent past, would be too much for most to stomach.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have done very well to get to the semi-final, they have drastically improved in the last six to 12 months and we can't underestimate them at all.

The Guardian - Sport

What happened in the state capitol and in Ferguson showed that one resident's reality can differ drastically from another's.

The Guardian - Opinion

Friends of the Earth climate campaigner Guy Shrubsole said: "David Cameron gets climate change, but it's clear that the appointment of a climate sceptic as Environment Secretary has drastically affected Defra's priorities.

The Guardian

Following its weak debut the previous weekend, Monsters: Dark Continent suffered a predictably brutal fall, dropping by more than 90% in terms of box office, on a drastically reduced screen count.

The Guardian - Film

The AEC has appointed former federal police commissioner Mick Keelty to head up an independent inquiry into the lost ballot papers, but what could happen over the next few weeks could drastically change the balance of power in the new Senate.

The Guardian

Senior figures within the rail industry are openly speculating whether the new transport secretary, Philip Hammond, will order a review of the 2014-19 perind in a move to curb that expenditure more drastically.

The Guardian

The agriculture minister, Peggy Fenner, advised that Britain would not run short of food supplies within the next 10 days but panic buying could drastically alter that.

The Guardian

Barely a year would pass without him unveiling a newer and more drastically age-inappropriate haircut.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "drastically" to emphasize a significant and easily noticeable change or difference, particularly when you want to convey the magnitude of the impact.

Common error

Avoid using "drastically" in very informal writing or conversation, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for more casual alternatives like "a lot" or "significantly" when a less intense tone is more appropriate.

How to use

Learn how to use "drastically" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The adverb "drastically" primarily functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, emphasizing the degree or extent of a change. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something has changed to a significant degree. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe changes in prices, policies, and conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "drastically" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, used to underscore significant alterations. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as formal business contexts, it serves to emphasize the magnitude and impact of change. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the shift is substantial to avoid sounding exaggerated. Alternatives like "significantly" or "radically" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When employing "drastically", writers should aim for clear emphasis in appropriate contexts to maintain credibility and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

radically

Stresses that the change affects the fundamental nature of something.

significantly

Emphasizes the importance or magnitude of the change.

substantially

Indicates a large amount or degree of change.

considerably

Highlights that the change is worthy of attention and large enough to be easily observed.

markedly

Focuses on the noticeable difference caused by the change.

noticeably

Highlights the easiness of the change to be observed.

remarkably

Focuses on the unexpected, noteworthy character of the change.

acutely

The difference stands out in its sharp, intense or severe nature.

severely

Stresses the strict or harsh nature of the change.

intensely

Highlights the great amount of the change that is produced.

FAQs

How can I use "drastically" in a sentence?

You can use "drastically" to modify verbs, indicating a large or sudden change. For example, "The company "drastically reduced costs"" or "The weather "drastically changed" overnight".

What words are similar to "drastically"?

Alternatives to "drastically" include "significantly", "substantially", "radically", or "considerably". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "drastically" or "dramatically"?

Both "drastically" and "dramatically" suggest a significant change, but "drastically" often implies a more forceful or consequential alteration, while "dramatically" emphasizes the visual or emotional impact of the change.

When is it not appropriate to use "drastically"?

Avoid using "drastically" when describing minor or trivial changes. It's best suited for situations where the change is substantial and has a noticeable effect. Using it for small changes can sound exaggerated.