harsh conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'harsh conditions' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it any time you want to describe circumstances that are difficult, unpleasant, or severe. For example, you could say, "The prisoners in the gulag had to live under harsh conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Harsh conditions.

The Economist

They're just warehoused indefinitely in harsh conditions.

The Guardian

'Harsh conditions' is a slight euphemism, is it not?

The Guardian

People working in their warehouses can face harsh conditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

He complains about harsh conditions in the high-security jail.

The Guardian - Opinion

Extremophiles are microscopic bugs that need harsh conditions to survive.

The New York Times - Books

Brown seems to have prospered while incarcerated, despite harsh conditions.

The Guardian - Music

Some committed suicide because of isolation and harsh conditions.

The New York Times - Travel

Malnutrition and the harsh conditions permanently shrouded his vision.

The New York Times - Sports

Many have been waiting for years, often in harsh conditions.

The New York Times

Most natural scrublands occur under relatively harsh conditions.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing environments, use "harsh conditions" to clearly convey the presence of adversity or hardship. For example, "The explorers faced "harsh conditions" during their trek across the desert."

Common error

Avoid using "harsh conditions" when the situation is merely inconvenient. Reserve it for situations involving genuine hardship or adversity, rather than everyday challenges. For example, traffic is an inconvenience; being stranded in a blizzard constitutes "harsh conditions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh conditions" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or a direct object to describe difficult or severe environmental or situational circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its proper and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh conditions" is a commonly used phrase to describe difficult or severe environmental and situational circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammar rules and is widely employed across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business communications. While synonyms like "severe circumstances" and "difficult environment" exist, "harsh conditions" effectively conveys adversity. When using this phrase, reserve it for genuinely challenging situations, avoiding overuse in overly dramatic or trivial contexts to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe circumstances

This alternative emphasizes the gravity and intensity of the situation.

difficult environment

This phrase focuses on the challenging aspects of the surroundings or setting.

adverse circumstances

This alternative suggests unfavorable or detrimental situations.

trying circumstances

This phrase emphasizes the testing and challenging nature of the situation.

unfavorable conditions

This alternative highlights the lack of conduciveness or support within the circumstances.

demanding situations

This highlights the rigorous requirements and expectations of the circumstances.

grim realities

This alternative emphasizes the unpleasant and stark nature of the actual circumstances.

austere environments

This phrase suggests a stark, simple, and often difficult setting.

rigorous trials

This emphasizes the testing and challenging nature of the situation as a form of trial.

challenging times

This refers to a period marked by difficulty and adversity.

FAQs

How can I use "harsh conditions" in a sentence?

You can use "harsh conditions" to describe difficult or severe environments or situations. For instance, "The refugees lived in "harsh conditions" in the overcrowded camp."

What are some synonyms for "harsh conditions"?

Alternatives include "severe circumstances", "difficult environment", or "adverse circumstances", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "harsh conditions" in formal writing?

Yes, "harsh conditions" is suitable for formal writing when accurately describing difficult or severe circumstances. It is a clear and direct phrase commonly used in professional and academic contexts.

What distinguishes "harsh conditions" from "difficult situations"?

"Harsh conditions" typically refer to environmental or external factors that create hardship, while "difficult situations" can encompass a broader range of challenges, including personal or interpersonal issues. "Harsh conditions" specifically highlight the severity and adversity of the external environment.