harsh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is severe, cruel, or unpleasant in nature, often in reference to conditions, treatment, or criticism. Example: "The teacher's harsh criticism left the student feeling discouraged and demotivated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There he addressed British and Omani troops on the equally harsh soil of the Arabian peninsula - not far from where the world's most wanted man lived until he found his lethal calling.

The Guardian

The less harsh sentences came from the Manchester judge who announced, possibly in solidarity, that he too was exceeding the guideline.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was harsh, but it was the only way not to smother.

The Guardian

bit harsh on bloggers, and bit rich from the revolving door to K St We're trying not to take it personally.

The Guardian

He denied Australia's harsh treatment of asylum seekers at detention camps on Nauru and Manus Island could count against the former prime minister.

The Guardian

But the relative isolation this harsh landscape affords also means the fishing villages, hill villages and maritime towns built on and under these slopes have been able to hold on to their charm and beauty as stubbornly as they've clung on to the mountains on which they're so precariously built.

The Guardian - Travel

This compares with 30% who feel that the Government is being too harsh.

The Guardian

As the Mouldy Lovers' Jonathan Sri told the Brisbane Times: "It's a bit harsh for people to criticise musicians for taking these gigs when musicians don't have economic power".

The Guardian - Music

David Miliband has delivered a harsh critique of his brother's election campaign, saying it appeared to push the Labour party backwards from the principles of aspiration and inclusion.

The Guardian

There is recognition that change is best accompanied by stability, and democracy only works if debate is conducted in a reasonable atmosphere where words can be bold, even harsh, but not inflammatory.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Abbott government has tried to justify its harsh budget by claiming the existence of an emergency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing weather or environmental conditions, use "harsh" to emphasize the severity and challenging nature of the environment. For example: "The explorers faced a harsh winter in the Arctic."

Common error

Avoid using "harsh" in situations where a milder term like "critical" or "firm" would suffice. Overusing "harsh" can make your writing sound overly dramatic or judgmental.

Linguistic Context

The word "harsh" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as unpleasantly rough, severe, or cruel. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in describing conditions, treatment, or criticism. As Ludwig AI suggests, it generally follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh" is a versatile adjective used to describe something unpleasant, severe, or cruel. As Ludwig highlights, it's grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "harsh", consider the potential for sounding overly dramatic and choose synonyms like "severe" or "strict" when appropriate. Remember to use "harsh" when you want to emphasize the intensity and unpleasantness of a situation, but avoid overuse in casual contexts to maintain a balanced and nuanced writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe

Indicates a high degree of strictness or gravity, similar to "harsh" but potentially less emotional.

strict

Focuses on adherence to rules or standards, implying a less emotional or cruel aspect than "harsh".

unforgiving

Emphasizes a lack of leniency or compassion, akin to the cruelty implied in "harsh".

brutal

Suggests extreme violence or cruelty, intensifying the negative impact conveyed by "harsh".

austere

Implies simplicity and strictness, often referring to living conditions or discipline; less overtly negative than "harsh".

draconian

Denotes extreme severity or cruelty, particularly in laws or punishments, mirroring the severity of "harsh".

rough

Describes a lack of smoothness or gentleness, which can overlap with the unpleasantness of "harsh".

bitter

Often used to describe experiences or feelings marked by sadness or resentment, reflecting the negative emotional tone of "harsh".

stern

Implies seriousness and a lack of warmth, sharing the unyielding quality of "harsh".

rigid

Focuses on inflexibility and lack of adaptability, similar to the unyielding aspect of "harsh" but less emotionally charged.

FAQs

How can I use "harsh" in a sentence?

You can use "harsh" to describe something unpleasant or severe. For example, "The desert climate is harsh" or "The judge gave him a harsh sentence".

What can I say instead of "harsh"?

You can use alternatives like "severe", "strict", or "brutal" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "harshly criticized" or should I use another adverb?

"Harshly criticized" is grammatically correct. The adverb "harshly" appropriately modifies the verb "criticized", indicating the severity of the criticism.

What's the difference between "harsh" and "severe"?

While both words indicate intensity, "harsh" often implies an unpleasant or cruel quality, while "severe" emphasizes strictness or gravity. A punishment can be both "harsh" and "severe".