heavy measures

USAGE SUMMARY

'heavy measures' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom that can be used to refer to a severe reaction or response to something. For example, "The government took heavy measures to tackle the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some analysts are sceptical that the government's goal can be achieved without heavy measures being introduced.

The Guardian - Music

He will receive heavy measures of both praise and criticism, and historians of both the Right and the Left probably will cross sides in unpredictable ways.

The New York Times - Books

A spokesman for the New York Stock Exchange declined to comment on security, although heavy measures to protect the institution, including barricades on all sides, checkpoints for anyone entering the building and police officers with automatic weapons on the perimeter, have been in place since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Travel disruptions from Europe's volcanic ash problem have brought a heavy measure of turmoil to the classical music world.

The New York Times - Arts

Daho brought a heavy measure of Trenet's unruffled old-world charm to electronic pop in the early 1980s, a suave, sardonic voice in an otherwise frenetic era.

The Guardian - Music

The Grand Dauphin, Louis XIV's brother, commissioned the artist to paint a series of panels in 1700 illustrating the story of Cupid and Psyche; these works show some of the lightness of Rococo work but with a heavy measure of Baroque.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The foundation route, though, gives the donor (and, often, his or her descendants) a heavy measure of control for a very long time.

Forbes

The Thai Foreign Ministry said the government would follow a "multistep approach, from light to heavier measures," in what appeared to be a turning point in its handling of the crisis, the latest chapter of four years of political turmoil.

The New York Times

The family has said that they do not plan to press charges against those who bullied Rachel, but do wish that the school had taken heavier measures against the bullies when the taunting was first reported in the fall.

HuffPost

Regulatory compliance is encouraged by using cooperation, persuasion, inspection and enforcement notices in the first instance, and secondarily by applying heavier measures in the case of riskier behaviour.

BMC Health Services Research

Heavy security measures have failed to stop the attacks, which have taken scores of lives this year.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heavy measures", ensure the context clearly justifies the intensity implied by the phrase. Avoid using it when milder actions would suffice.

Common error

Avoid using "heavy measures" in everyday situations where the severity is unwarranted. This can create a tone that's disproportionate to the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heavy measures" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the subject complement. It describes the intensity or severity of actions taken in response to a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heavy measures" is a phrase used to describe serious or strict actions taken in response to a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, conveying the significance and intensity of the response. While grammatically sound, it should be used judiciously to avoid tonal misalignments. Alternatives such as "stringent actions" or "severe steps" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. When writing, ensure the intensity implied by "heavy measures" is justified by the situation at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stringent actions

Focuses on the strictness or severity of the actions taken.

severe steps

Emphasizes the gravity and potential impact of the steps implemented.

drastic interventions

Highlights the intensity and potentially disruptive nature of the interventions.

tough sanctions

Specifically refers to penalties or restrictions imposed.

forceful tactics

Highlights the aggressive or assertive nature of the tactics employed.

strict regulations

Implies that the measures involve adhering to and enforcing firm regulatory guidelines.

rigorous enforcement

Focuses on the consistent and thorough application of rules or laws.

punitive actions

Highlights measures intended to penalize or punish.

coercive strategies

Focuses on compelling or forcing compliance through strategic actions.

intense scrutiny

Shifts the focus to close and critical examination or monitoring.

FAQs

What does "heavy measures" mean?

"Heavy measures" refers to serious or strict actions taken in response to a problem or situation. It suggests a forceful or significant intervention.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "heavy measures"?

It's appropriate to use "heavy measures" when describing responses to serious issues like security threats, significant policy changes, or when discussing substantial interventions.

What are some alternatives to saying "heavy measures"?

You can use alternatives like "stringent actions", "severe steps", or "drastic interventions" depending on the specific context.

Is "heavy measures" formal or informal language?

"Heavy measures" can be used in both formal and informal settings, but it's more commonly found in news reports, policy discussions, and other more formal contexts.