has been harsh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been harsh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or treatment that has been severe or unkind over a period of time. Example: "The weather has been harsh this winter, making it difficult for many to travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Criticism has been harsh and intense.

The Guardian - Sport

Police treatment of gay-rights protesters has been harsh.

The Economist

The spotlight cast on GS Yuasa's batteries has been harsh.

The New York Times

The downsizing in response to the slump has been harsh.

The New York Times

Le Monde is already a paper of the left, and has been harsh on Mr Sarkozy.

The Economist

A crackdown on dissent, particularly in the Khmer-language press, has been harsh.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Other criticism has been harsher.

The New York Times - Arts

"It has been harsher for transgender athletes," Carroll said.

The New York Times - Sports

But for Hungary, which took up the post at the start of the year, the spotlight has been harsher.

The New York Times

It would have been harsh".

The Guardian - Sport

Sentences have been harsh, sometimes including death.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been harsh" to describe situations, criticisms, or treatments that have been notably severe or unkind over a period of time. Ensure the subject and context align with this connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "has been harsh" in informal settings where a lighter term would suffice. The phrase carries a weight that may sound out of place in everyday conversation. Consider using alternatives like "difficult" or "tough" for less formal scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been harsh" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating that something has been severe, rigorous, or unkind over a period of time. Ludwig's AI analysis supports its role in describing the nature of a situation or treatment. For example, the sentence "Criticism has been harsh and intense" shows the phrase modifying 'criticism'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been harsh" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something severe or unforgiving over a period. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While alternatives like "has been severe" or "has been tough" exist, this phrase carries a particular weight best suited for situations demanding a neutral yet impactful tone. Its effectiveness lies in conveying the intensity of a situation, making it a valuable tool in both formal and objective communication. However, avoid the expression when casual language is requested.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been severe

Focuses on the intensity or gravity of a situation or treatment.

has been stringent

Emphasizes strictness or rigor in rules or regulations.

has been tough

Highlights the difficulty or demanding nature of a situation.

has been rigorous

Indicates thoroughness and strict adherence to standards.

has been unforgiving

Implies a lack of leniency or compassion.

has been brutal

Suggests extreme cruelty or violence.

has been exacting

Stresses the high demands and precision required.

has been intense

Focuses on the high degree of emotion, effort, or activity.

has been punitive

Highlights the aspect of punishment or penalty.

has been draconian

Emphasizes extreme severity and strictness, often in law or rules.

FAQs

How can I use "has been harsh" in a sentence?

Use "has been harsh" to describe something severe or unforgiving over time. For example, "The criticism of the new policy "has been harsh", but the developers are still working on it".

What are some alternatives to "has been harsh"?

You can use alternatives such as "has been severe", "has been stringent", or "has been tough" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "has been harsh" in formal writing?

Yes, "has been harsh" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing severe conditions or criticisms. Its use is well-supported in formal sources like news articles and academic papers.

What is the difference between "has been harsh" and "was harsh"?

"Has been harsh" implies that the severity has persisted over a period, while "was harsh" refers to a specific instance in the past. For example, "The winter "has been harsh" this year" suggests ongoing severe weather, whereas "The judge's ruling "was harsh"" refers to a specific past judgment.