great severity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "great severity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that is characterized by intense seriousness or harshness. Example: "The punishment was meted out with great severity, leaving no room for leniency."

✓ Grammatically correct

General Writing

Legal

Historical Analysis

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

You knew that they were at least penalties of great severity, did you not?

Yale University

Three psychiatrists and two psychologists have examined him and agreed he has a "deep seated disorder of great severity".

The Guardian

"I knew Mercadante only as a serious composer, a composer of great severity," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

In October 1934 a major left-wing uprising was suppressed with great severity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He put down with great severity a rebellion of the combined forces of Sidon, Tyre, and other Syrian cities.

Britannica

Three psychiatrists and two psychologists have examined Fowkes and agreed he has a "deep-seated disorder of great severity".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Indigenous patients suffer a greater prevalence with greater severity.

Heart, Lung and Circulation

Higher scores reflected a greater severity of dysmenorrhea.

Pain Management Nursing

"The gang members are getting used to greater and greater severity of violence.

The Guardian

So it needs to be treated with greater severity than other papers.

The Guardian

In Paris, France's foreign ministry said it "condemns with the greatest severity" the wave of attacks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing consequences or actions, use "great severity" to emphasize the seriousness and potential impact. It adds weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "great severity" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very serious" or "really bad" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great severity" typically functions as a noun phrase, often used as an adverbial modifier to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is accurate and readily applicable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "great severity" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the intensity or harshness of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. While versatile, it's most suited for formal contexts like news reports, academic papers, and official communications, as it frequently appears in sources such as The New York Times and scientific journals. For casual conversations, simpler alternatives are usually more appropriate. Remember to use it when you want to convey a sense of considerable strictness or extreme impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marked severity

Similar meaning but places emphasis on the noticeable degree of severity

extreme strictness

Highlights the uncompromising nature of the rules or enforcement.

extreme harshness

Emphasizes the intensity and unforgiving nature of the action or situation.

intense rigor

Highlights the strictness and thoroughness applied.

considerable strictness

Focuses on the adherence to rules and regulations.

significant stringency

Emphasizes the demanding and exacting nature.

harshness

A more concise synonym, focusing on the unpleasant and severe nature of the situation.

substantial acuteness

Highlights sharpness and intensity, applicable in medical or critical situations.

profound intensity

Emphasizes the depth and strength of the situation.

extreme intensity

Focuses on the high degree of force or emotion involved.

FAQs

How can I use "great severity" in a sentence?

You can use "great severity" to describe actions, punishments, or conditions that are extremely serious or harsh. For example, "The law was enforced with great severity" or "The disease manifested with great severity".

What are some alternatives to "great severity"?

Some alternatives include "extreme harshness", "intense rigor", or "considerable strictness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "great severity" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "great severity" is more suited for formal writing or serious discussions. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "very serious" or "really bad" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "great severity" and "extreme harshness"?

Both phrases indicate a high degree of intensity, but "great severity" often implies a formal or official context, such as legal or disciplinary actions, whereas "extreme harshness" can apply more broadly to any situation characterized by severe treatment or conditions.