he was very strict

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "he was very strict" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person's behavior, character, or mannerisms, usually with a negative connotation. For example, "My teacher was very strict and made us write a five-page essay every week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

He was very strict, though.

Independent

"He was very strict," he said.

The New York Times

"He was very strict, very strict," Young said.

The New York Times - Sports

He was very strict, with everyone on the same level.

The Guardian - Sport

He was very strict with Paula and slapped her around.

The Guardian

"He was very strict from the start when he joined," a commander said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He's very strict.

The New York Times - Sports

He's very strict with him.

The New York Times - Sports

He's very strict, not fluffy; he challenges you strongly, tells it like it is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And Scholl told the Guardian: "He's very strict and severe.

The Guardian - Sport

He's very strict at his work, but people he loves, he finds it very difficult to say anything.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "he was very strict", provide context to illustrate the specific behaviors or rules that exemplify their strictness. For example, "He was very strict, always enforcing a 9 PM curfew."

Common error

Avoid using "he was very strict" without providing specific examples. Overgeneralization can make your writing vague and less impactful. Instead of saying "he was very strict", describe specific instances of their behavior, like, "He meticulously checked every homework assignment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was very strict" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of being "very strict" to a male subject. It's commonly used to characterize someone's behavior, personality, or management style, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was very strict" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone who enforces rules and maintains high standards. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for use in written English, particularly in contexts like news reporting, where objective descriptions are common. Related phrases, like "he was extremely firm" or "he maintained tight control", offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific aspect of strictness you wish to emphasize. When using "he was very strict", providing specific examples enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was extremely firm

Emphasizes the unwavering nature of his stance, suggesting a strong adherence to rules or principles.

he maintained tight control

Focuses on the act of controlling others or a situation, highlighting a hierarchical power dynamic.

he enforced rigorous discipline

Stresses the application of strict rules and the expectation of adherence, often in a formal setting.

he had high standards

Highlights the elevated expectations, suggesting that his strictness stems from a desire for excellence.

he didn't tolerate mistakes

Emphasizes the lack of leniency, focusing on the consequences of errors or deviations from the norm.

he ran a tight ship

An idiomatic expression indicating a well-organized and strictly managed environment.

he was unyielding

Stresses the lack of flexibility or compromise in his approach.

he demanded obedience

Highlights the expectation of compliance and the power dynamic involved.

he set clear boundaries

Focuses on the establishment of defined limits, suggesting that strictness is related to maintaining order and expectations.

he was a hard taskmaster

Implies strictness combined with the expectation of diligent work and high performance.

FAQs

How can I use "he was very strict" in a sentence?

You can use "he was very strict" to describe someone who enforces rules firmly. For instance, "He was very strict with his children, ensuring they completed their chores before playing."

What are some alternatives to saying "he was very strict"?

Alternatives include "he was extremely firm", "he maintained tight control", or "he enforced rigorous discipline", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "he was very strict" in formal writing?

Yes, "he was very strict" is generally appropriate, but providing context helps. In formal writing, ensure clarity by giving specific examples of the person's behavior.

What's the difference between "he was strict" and "he was very strict"?

While both describe someone who enforces rules, "he was very strict" intensifies the degree of strictness. The addition of "very" amplifies the characteristic, indicating a higher level of rigidity.