extreme measure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme measure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a drastic or significant action taken in response to a situation or problem. Example: "In light of the ongoing crisis, the government decided to take extreme measures to ensure public safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that's an extreme measure.

The New York Times

It was meant as an extreme measure".

The New York Times

It's an extreme measure with long odds.

The New York Times

"Divorce has tended to be viewed as an extreme measure".

The New York Times

"That's a pretty extreme measure even from our end.

The New York Times

"Frankly, it is an extreme measure that's difficult to defend," he said.

The New York Times

The Ambassador pointed out that this would be an extreme measure with serious repercussions.

The Guardian

Yesterday, Dr. Lauersen's lawyer, Robert S. Deutsch, denounced the department for taking such an extreme measure.

The New York Times

Surprised to read of the extreme measure of steroid injections and epidurals for your back pain.

Harvard University

To many, this may seem like an extreme measure — heresy, even.

The New York Times

"I am shocked that anyone would be supportive of a president who is endorsing this extreme measure," Mr. Capoccia said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "extreme measure" when you want to emphasize that an action is a significant departure from the norm and is taken only in serious or urgent situations.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme measure" to describe ordinary or routine actions. This can create a sense of hyperbole and diminish the impact when discussing genuinely serious actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme measure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It identifies a specific action or strategy that is perceived as drastic or exceptional. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extreme measure" is a commonly used and grammatically sound noun phrase that describes a drastic action taken as a last resort. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While versatile, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant it, avoiding overuse in milder contexts. When looking for alternatives, consider "drastic step", "radical action", or "last resort" depending on the specific connotation you wish to convey. Using this expression appropriately will add clarity and precision to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Drastic step

Focuses more on the severity and impact of the action taken.

Radical action

Emphasizes the departure from the norm and the transformative nature of the action.

Severe measure

Indicates the harshness and intensity of the action.

Last resort

Highlights that the action is taken only when all other options have been exhausted.

Desperate measure

Suggests the action is taken out of desperation and urgency.

Stringent action

Emphasizes the strictness and rigor of the action.

Exceptional step

Highlights the rarity and unusual nature of the action.

Far-reaching action

Focuses on the broad impact and consequences of the action.

Aggressive move

Implies a proactive and forceful approach.

Intense intervention

Highlights the depth and forcefulness of the action taken.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "extreme measure"?

The phrase "extreme measure" should be used when describing an action that is drastic, unusual, and typically taken as a last resort in a difficult or critical situation. It implies that other, less severe options have been considered or exhausted.

What are some alternatives to "extreme measure"?

Alternatives to "extreme measure" include "drastic step", "radical action", or "last resort". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "extreme measure" formal or informal?

"Extreme measure" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often found in news reports and professional discussions. The formality largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

Is there a difference between "extreme measure" and "severe measure"?

While both phrases indicate a serious action, "extreme measure" often suggests the action is unusual or a last resort, while "severe measure" primarily emphasizes the intensity or harshness of the action. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the unusual nature or the intensity of the response.