fairly intense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fairly intense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is moderately strong or powerful, such as emotions, experiences, or situations. Example: "The workout was fairly intense, leaving me exhausted but satisfied with my effort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The study subjects exercised at a range of intensities from very moderate to fairly intense.

The New York Times

While fairly intense, aglianicos have an approachable style.

The New York Times - Food

It has some fairly intense scenes of goblin mayhem.

The New York Times

It was a fairly intense couple of seconds.

The New York Times

"Pedaling at 90 r.p.m. is a fairly intense activity," he says.

The New York Times

"My life is one of fairly intense activity," Mr. Davis, 62, said last week.

The New York Times

"There's also the planning and the fairly intense training and education for anyone considering the vaccine.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

It's a pretty intense experience, and I'd say a fairly frightening one, too.

Vice

"The derbies in Hull are pretty intense so I'm guessing it's going to be fairly similar to that".

BBC

It doesn't seek to give advice, just describes the author's experience – her pain, struggles and triumphs, and sets out the two alternative methods: the calm, pleasant and for the most part enjoyable French experience, versus the fairly hysterical, intense and gruelling Anglophone method, and allows you to choose.

The Guardian - Books

Although the overall cost of the project (A$184,8722) was comparatively low, the study was fairly resource intense.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "fairly intense" with specific nouns to provide context and clarity. For example, "fairly intense debate" or "fairly intense training" gives a clearer picture than just "fairly intense" alone.

Common error

Avoid using "fairly intense" as a catch-all description. Instead, aim for more precise language that captures the specific nature of the intensity. For example, instead of a "fairly intense experience", describe it as "emotionally draining" or "physically demanding" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fairly intense" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It specifies the degree of intensity of something, indicating that it is moderately strong or powerful. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and demonstrates its frequency in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fairly intense" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something that is moderately strong or powerful. As highlighted by Ludwig, it appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. The phrase functions as an intensifier, adding a nuanced degree of emphasis without exaggeration. When writing, aim to pair "fairly intense" with specific nouns to provide context and avoid overuse as a vague descriptor. Alternatives like "quite strong" or "moderately strong" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moderately strong

Highlights the moderate level of intensity.

quite strong

Indicates a high degree of strength or power; more direct.

pretty strong

A more informal synonym, using "pretty" as an intensifier.

somewhat powerful

Emphasizes the power or influence to a certain extent.

rather forceful

Stresses the use of force or energy to a considerable degree.

reasonably extreme

Highlights that something is extreme, but within reasonable bounds.

noticeably potent

Implies a distinct and recognizable level of power or effectiveness.

markedly severe

Highlights the severity and the degree to which it stands out.

relatively vehement

Shows strong feeling or passion in a comparative sense.

decidedly vigorous

Emphasizes the energetic and forceful nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "fairly intense" in a sentence?

You can use "fairly intense" to describe experiences, emotions, or activities that are moderately strong. For example, "The movie had a "fairly intense" plot twist" or "He underwent "fairly intense" training for the marathon".

What words are similar to "fairly intense"?

Similar phrases include "quite strong", "moderately strong", or "somewhat powerful". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fairly intense" or "very intense"?

"Fairly intense" indicates a moderate level, while "very intense" suggests a high level. Choose the phrase that more accurately reflects the degree of intensity you wish to convey.

Can "fairly intense" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "fairly intense" is appropriate for formal writing. While it's not overly formal, it's a clear and professional way to describe a moderate level of intensity. However, in very formal or scientific contexts, consider more precise alternatives if available.