harsh statements

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh statements" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe comments or remarks that are severe, critical, or unkind. Example: "The report included several harsh statements about the company's performance that were difficult for the employees to digest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

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

While he was at it, McCain also rejected the endorsement of the Ohio evangelical pastor Rod Parsley, who had made harsh statements about Islam.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide context or justification following "harsh statements" to soften the blow and demonstrate that your goal is not just making unsubstantiated criticisms but rather providing fair feedback for improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "harsh statements" when a gentler approach would be more effective. Consider the audience and the potential for alienating or demotivating them.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh statements" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object or subject complement in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English, typically describing severe, critical, or unkind comments. For instance, examples show it detailing political discourse, media criticism, or personal assessments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Formal & Business

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "harsh statements" is a commonly used phrase, especially in news and media, to describe severe or critical remarks. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and effectively conveys a strong sense of disapproval or criticism. When writing, it's important to consider the impact of such statements and ensure the context warrants their use. Alternatives like "severe remarks" or "critical comments" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to express. The phrase's high frequency and presence in authoritative sources underscore its validity in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe remarks

Emphasizes the gravity and strictness of the comments.

critical comments

Focuses on the judgmental and analytical nature of the statements.

strong condemnations

Highlights the act of expressing strong disapproval.

bitter denunciations

Implies resentment and strong public criticism.

scathing criticisms

Suggests a harsh and severely critical assessment.

pointed rebukes

Emphasizes the direct and sharp nature of the criticisms.

unsparing assessments

Highlights the lack of leniency in the evaluation.

acerbic pronouncements

Indicates a sharp and bitter tone in the statements.

incendiary remarks

Suggests that the statements are likely to cause anger or conflict.

vitriolic attacks

Implies a highly corrosive and bitter verbal assault.

FAQs

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

You can use "harsh statements" to describe critical or severe remarks. For example, "The politician's speech was filled with "harsh statements" about his opponent's policies.".

What are some alternatives to "harsh statements"?

Alternatives include "severe remarks", "critical comments", or "strong condemnations", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "harsh statements" in writing?

Use "harsh statements" when you need to express strong disapproval or criticism, but be mindful of the potential impact on your audience. Make sure the severity is warranted by the situation.

What's the difference between "harsh statements" and "strong opinions"?

"Harsh statements" typically imply a negative and critical tone, while "strong opinions" simply indicate firm beliefs, even if they are expressed assertively.