harsh verdict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "harsh verdict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a judgment or decision that is severe or critical in nature, often in legal or evaluative contexts. Example: "The judge delivered a harsh verdict that shocked the defendant and their family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

A gaggle of gurus delivers a harsh verdict.

The Economist

Neither the former prime minister nor his lieutenants had expected such a harsh verdict.

The Economist

"The main thing is that they not be turned into martyrs by an excessively harsh verdict," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Amir said he was not surprised by the sentence in light of the "harsh" verdict against Mr. Katsav.

The New York Times

The committee has been more likely to deliver a harsh verdict about Mr. Obama's prospects than it was during either the Clinton or Bush administrations.

The New York Times

The number of years is not the issue here, but the harsh verdict, which proved that Katsav committed these despicable acts and raped me".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

In the early 20th century, Virginia Woolf regularly reviewed fiction for The Times Literary Supplement, where she specialized in harsh verdicts suavely delivered.

The New York Times - Books

On January 16th, the EU itself deplored the "harsh verdicts".One of the reasons for Mr Khatami's popularity at home is the way he has gone about improving his country's previously fraught relations with European countries.

The Economist

"I wouldn't expect any harsh verdicts being handed down in Ireland, but those countries that continue to have an intimidating anti-blasphemy practice like to quote European countries to unmask western hypocrisy".

The Guardian

First of all, the North Korean courts certainly handed down harsh verdicts against the two journalists.

Huffington Post

Jacqueline Savitz of the environmental group Oceana delivered a far harsher verdict on the response to the gulf disaster.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "harsh verdict" when you want to emphasize the severity or unexpected negativity of a judgment or decision. It is especially appropriate in contexts involving legal or formal evaluations.

Common error

Avoid using "harsh verdict" in casual or informal settings where a less formal term like "tough call" or "severe judgment" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "harsh verdict" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "harsh" modifies the noun "verdict". It describes the nature of a judgment or decision, indicating its severity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and offers numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "harsh verdict" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes a severe or critical judgment. Ludwig AI confirms that it is frequently used in news and media contexts to express disapproval or emphasize the severity of a decision. While "harsh verdict" is suitable for formal and neutral registers, it should be used judiciously in informal settings, where alternatives like "tough call" or "severe judgment" may be more appropriate. When using "harsh verdict", ensure that the context aligns with the formal tone and the implied severity of the judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe judgment

Emphasizes the strictness and unforgiving nature of the judgment.

strict ruling

Highlights the inflexibility and uncompromising aspect of the decision.

critical assessment

Focuses on the negative evaluation and fault-finding nature of the verdict.

unfavorable decision

Indicates a negative outcome or result for the subject of the verdict.

punitive sentence

Specifically refers to a harsh legal penalty or consequence.

damning indictment

Implies a strong condemnation or severe criticism.

stinging rebuke

Suggests a sharp and painful form of disapproval.

cutting assessment

Emphasizes the sharpness and incisiveness of the critical judgment.

bitter condemnation

Highlights the strong feeling of disapproval and negativity.

unsparing criticism

Indicates that the criticism is relentless and without mercy.

FAQs

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

You can use "harsh verdict" to describe a severe judgment or decision, such as "The judge delivered a "harsh verdict" that surprised many observers".

What phrases are similar to "harsh verdict"?

Alternatives include "severe judgment", "strict ruling", or "critical assessment", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "harsh verdict" always related to legal contexts?

While frequently used in legal contexts, "harsh verdict" can also apply to critical evaluations in other domains, such as performance reviews or academic assessments. The key is the severity of the judgment.

What is the difference between "harsh verdict" and "tough decision"?

"Harsh verdict" implies a formal judgment that is severe or critical, whereas "tough decision" suggests a difficult choice that may not necessarily be a formal judgment. A "tough decision" might be challenging but not necessarily result in a "harsh verdict".