harsh statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh statement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to describe a statement that is very direct, blunt, and perhaps even insensitive. For example, "The teacher's statement that we had wasted her time was a harsh statement that upset many students in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

There actually had been a reason for my harsh statement.

The New York Times

The N.B.A. issued a fine and a harsh statement.

The New York Times - Sports

"You aren't meant to issue such a harsh statement by surprise, without prior consultation".

The New York Times

His harsh statement is the latest in a recent series from North Korea.

The New York Times

That's a pretty harsh statement for a guy who pitched here for 10 years".

The New York Times - Sports

A harsh statement, perhaps, but one with which Judy Jennings-Moritz, a Northern California real estate broker, would not disagree.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Since his 1998 election they have felt antagonized by his harsh statements and leftist policies.

The New York Times

Mr. Singh avoided harsh statements about Pakistan today but did lace his comments with skepticism.

The New York Times

There are a few signs that party leaders are becoming concerned about the effect of their harsh statements.

The New York Times

All Trump supporters, the three friends weren't bothered by the Republican nominee's sometimes harsh statements about women.

The Guardian

I went to Pittsburgh: Sarkozy, Gordon Brown and Obama had made harsh statements about Iran.I went and asked all of them: Have you talked to Ahmadinejad?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "harsh statement" when you want to emphasize the severity and potential negative impact of a message. Ensure the context warrants such a strong term, as overuse can diminish its effect.

Common error

Avoid using "harsh statement" too frequently in your writing. Constant use can weaken its impact and make your tone appear overly critical. Instead, vary your language with milder alternatives like "critical comment" or "firm assessment" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh statement" functions as a noun phrase, where "harsh" modifies the noun "statement". According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe a declaration characterized by its severity and critical nature, often found in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh statement" is a common noun phrase used to describe a severe and critical message. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal contexts, particularly in news and media. While effective for conveying disapproval, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact. Related phrases offer alternatives to vary your language and tone. Ludwig's analysis offers practical guidance, helping writers use the phrase effectively while avoiding common pitfalls. This term's occurrence is particularly present in "News & Media" contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe declaration

Replaces "statement" with "declaration", implying a more formal and authoritative pronouncement. The intensity remains similar.

critical remark

Substitutes "statement" with "remark", suggesting a less formal and potentially more off-the-cuff expression of criticism. The term "critical" emphasizes the negative evaluation.

strong condemnation

Replaces both "harsh" and "statement" with more emotionally charged terms. "Strong" emphasizes intensity, while "condemnation" implies moral disapproval.

blunt assertion

Replaces "harsh" with "blunt", highlighting the directness and lack of tact in the statement, and "statement" with "assertion", making it sound more confident.

scathing criticism

Focuses on the damaging nature of the statement. "Scathing" implies a severe and destructive attack.

damning indictment

Uses legal terminology to suggest a formal accusation or expression of strong disapproval. It carries a sense of formal censure.

pointed remark

Underlines the direct and focused nature of the statement, often implying intentionality.

unsparing assessment

Emphasizes the comprehensive and relentless nature of the judgment, indicating that no aspect was treated with leniency.

forceful pronouncement

Highlights the strength and authority behind the statement, indicating it was delivered with conviction and impact.

severe judgment

Replaces "statement" with "judgment", emphasizing an opinion or conclusion. The tone is still serious, but it emphasizes a decision or assessment.

FAQs

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

You can use "harsh statement" to describe a remark that is severe and critical, such as: "The manager's "harsh statement" about the team's performance led to a tense meeting".

What's a less severe alternative to "harsh statement"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "critical remark", "firm assessment", or "strong criticism" to convey a similar meaning with less intensity.

Is it always appropriate to use a "harsh statement"?

No, using a "harsh statement" is not always appropriate. It should be reserved for situations where the severity of the issue warrants a strong and direct message. Consider the potential impact on the recipient and whether a more diplomatic approach might be more effective.

How does "harsh statement" differ from "strong statement"?

"Harsh statement" implies a degree of severity and potential negativity that is not necessarily present in a "strong statement". A "strong statement" simply indicates forcefulness or conviction, while "harsh statement" suggests a more critical or judgmental tone.