harsh effect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh effect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or severe impact that something has on a situation, person, or environment. Example: "The harsh effect of the new policy was felt immediately, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Mr. Outten said that going public with her complaint had had a harsh effect on Ms. Schieffelin's relationship with the firm and her co-workers.

The New York Times

While he acknowledged that the outcome of the investigation is unknown, Mr. Milunovich said its harsh effect on the shares had made them a better value.

The New York Times

And with GM and suppliers offering the best wages in town, their loss has had a particularly harsh effect on what economists call induced employment.

The Washington Post

Indeed, because of the harsh effect of budget cutting on growth, debt-to-G.D.P. ratios in Europe have continued to rise.

The New York Times

That continues a troubling trend that's been building for years, one that has had a particularly harsh effect on black workers.

The New York Times

"I don't think it's any secret that Jeremy and other London MPs in particular are against the cap because they've seen it having a particularly harsh effect in London, where housing costs are very high," said Green.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Unfortunately, the harsh effects of the mortgage crisis are not as arguable as insider trading.

The Guardian - Money

But companies are already warning investors about the harsh effects of the fiscal cliff.

The New York Times

Could the judge see beyond the harsh effects on her own family?

The New York Times

More recently and tragically, British mothers have felt the harsh effects of statistical abuse.

The Economist

As I see it, The Times should update its thinking to recognize the harsh effects of the electronic age.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the "harsh effect" of a policy or action, provide specific examples or data to illustrate the severity of the impact. This adds credibility and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "harsh effect" to describe situations that are only mildly negative. Reserve this phrase for truly severe or damaging consequences to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh effect" functions as a noun phrase that describes a severe or strong consequence or impact. It is commonly used to emphasize the negative or undesirable nature of a particular outcome, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harsh effect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a severe or negative impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "severe impact" or "strong consequence" exist, "harsh effect" effectively conveys a sense of seriousness. Remember to use it judiciously, reserving it for truly significant negative consequences to maintain its impact. It appears frequently across various authoritative sources, making it a reliable choice for expressing strong negative effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe impact

Replaces 'effect' with 'impact' emphasizing the force or influence exerted.

detrimental impact

Emphasizes the damaging or harmful influence.

strong consequence

Substitutes 'harsh' with 'strong' and 'effect' with 'consequence', highlighting the result or outcome.

negative outcome

Focuses on the result being undesirable or unfavorable.

adverse consequence

Highlights the detrimental or unfavorable nature of the outcome.

grave consequences

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential for harm.

serious repercussions

Indicates significant and typically unwelcome consequences.

severe ramifications

Indicates far-reaching and serious consequences.

damaging result

Highlights the harm or damage caused by the effect.

unfavorable implications

Focuses on the negative suggestions or inferences arising from the effect.

FAQs

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

You can use "harsh effect" to describe a severe or negative impact. For example, "The budget cuts had a "harsh effect" on public services."

What are some alternatives to "harsh effect"?

Alternatives include "severe impact", "strong consequence", or "negative outcome", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "harsh effect" is appropriate for formal writing when describing significant negative consequences. However, ensure that the severity justifies the strong language.

What's the difference between "harsh effect" and "negative effect"?

"Harsh effect" implies a greater degree of severity and impact than "negative effect". Use "harsh effect" when the consequences are particularly damaging or severe.