hard measures

USAGE SUMMARY

"hard measures" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which harsh or severe measures have been or need to be taken. For example: "The government is now implementing some hard measures to help control the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"What hard measures?" he said.

The New York Times

Hard times have brought hard measures.

The New York Times

That is one of the reasons I wrote "Hard Measures".

The New Yorker

Should CEO performance be assessed only on "hard" measures?

Harvard Business Review

These things are hard measures that we track and report our progress on.

Yale University

"I'm furious that the Dutch government is incapable of taking hard measures.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Chiarello: It is a really hard measure.

Forbes

"So the very hardest measures I already practiced over the summer in a relaxed setting," he said.

Princeton University

These are hard to measure.

The Economist

Outcomes are hard to measure.

The Economist

Compliance is hard to measure.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing governmental or organizational responses to crises, use "hard measures" to convey that the actions are forceful and designed to produce significant change quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "hard measures" in casual conversations or informal writing. This phrase carries a formal tone and is better suited for professional, academic, or journalistic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hard measures" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "hard" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "measures". This phrase describes specific actions or policies that are strict, forceful, and often implemented in response to challenging situations. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hard measures" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes strict and forceful actions taken to address significant issues. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the formal tone and is appropriate for discussing serious or critical situations. Alternatives such as "strict actions" or "severe steps" may be considered for nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe steps

Focuses on the gravity and intensity of the actions.

forceful actions

Emphasizes the power and determination behind the actions.

stringent policies

Highlights the rigorous nature of the policies.

tough regulations

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the regulations.

strict actions

Emphasizes the stringency of the actions taken.

decisive actions

Emphasizes the determination and conclusiveness of the actions.

rigorous enforcement

Focuses on the thoroughness and strictness of implementation.

drastic interventions

Suggests a significant and impactful level of involvement.

compulsory steps

Highlights the mandatory nature of the actions taken.

firm decisions

Highlights the resolute nature of the choices made.

FAQs

How can I use "hard measures" in a sentence?

You can use "hard measures" to describe actions taken to address serious problems, such as: "The government implemented "hard measures" to combat the economic crisis."

What are some alternatives to "hard measures"?

Alternatives include "severe steps", "drastic interventions", or "tough regulations", depending on the specific context.

Is "hard measures" the same as "harsh measures"?

While similar, "hard measures" often implies a focus on effectiveness and resolve, while "harsh measures" may emphasize the severity or potential negative impact of the actions. The nuance depends on the context.

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

It's appropriate in formal writing, news reports, or academic papers when discussing significant actions taken to address serious problems. Avoid using it in casual or informal contexts where simpler language may be more suitable.