harsh judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

'harsh judgment' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe a judgment that is particularly severe or unreasonable. For example, "The judge administered a harsh judgment on the defendant, sentencing him to seven years in prison for the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a harsh judgment.

The New Yorker

Ignorance and harsh judgment are still rampant.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems an absurdly harsh judgment.

The New York Times - Sports

Diane Polley was used to harsh judgment.

The Guardian - Film

Harsh judgment, but with a searing ring of truth.

The New York Times - Sports

History will surely pass a harsh judgment on Blair.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think that would be quite a harsh judgment".

The Guardian - Business

Is that an overly harsh judgment on the nation's schools?

The Guardian

In the Middle Ages, Christians' near-death narratives explicitly involved harsh judgment and infernal torment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Given that harsh judgment, something about this case clearly disturbed the arbitrators.

The New York Times

But Mr Schröder certainly does not yet deserve to win.That may seem an unduly harsh judgment.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "harsh judgment" when you want to emphasize the severity or unfairness of a decision or evaluation. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "harsh judgment" in contexts where the criticism is mild or constructive. Overusing it can weaken its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider using phrases like "critical assessment" or "negative evaluation" for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh judgment" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb (e.g., "render a "harsh judgment"") or following a preposition. It signifies a severe or critical evaluation. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harsh judgment" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that describes a severe or unfair evaluation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news and media, academic writing, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the intensity aligns with the context; otherwise, consider using alternatives like "critical assessment" or "negative evaluation". Remember that overuse in milder situations can dilute its impact. The prevalence across reputable sources underscores its acceptability and utility in expressing strong disapproval or critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe condemnation

Emphasizes the act of strong disapproval or censure.

critical assessment

Focuses on evaluation with a negative or fault-finding perspective.

damning critique

Emphasizes the destructive or ruinous effect of the criticism.

unsparing assessment

Highlights the relentless nature of the judgment, leaving nothing untouched.

unfavorable verdict

Highlights a negative outcome or decision.

stringent criticism

Underlines the rigorous and demanding nature of the critique.

bitter denunciation

Focuses on the expression of strong disapproval made openly or publicly.

strict assessment

Highlights the level of exactitude and the attention to detail when making a decision.

negative evaluation

Stresses the unfavorable nature of the assessment.

sharp rebuke

Implies a sudden and critical disapproval.

FAQs

How to use "harsh judgment" in a sentence?

You can use "harsh judgment" to describe a severe or unfair assessment, as in "History will cast a "harsh judgment" on this decision". You can also use it when someone is unfairly criticized.

What can I say instead of "harsh judgment"?

You can use alternatives like "severe condemnation", "critical assessment", or "unfavorable verdict" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "harsh judgment" or "harsh sentencing"?

"Harsh judgment" refers to a critical evaluation or opinion, while "harsh sentencing" specifically refers to a severe punishment given by a court. The correct phrase depends on the context.

What's the difference between "harsh judgment" and "strict assessment"?

"Harsh judgment" implies a severe and potentially unfair evaluation, whereas "strict assessment" suggests a rigorous and exacting evaluation that may not necessarily be unfair. A "harsh judgment" carries a stronger negative connotation.