in harsh conditions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in harsh conditions" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a difficult or extreme situation. For example, "The refugees lived in harsh conditions with limited access to food and water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They're just warehoused indefinitely in harsh conditions.

The Guardian

Many have been waiting for years, often in harsh conditions.

The New York Times

A small, rugged device is reliable even in harsh conditions.

MIT Technology Review

This is where they got to fire live rounds in harsh conditions.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has made it more comfortable, and more glamorous, to be outside, in harsh conditions.

The New Yorker

Ibrahim is being held in harsh conditions and is constantly shackled, according to Amnesty.

The Guardian

They saw the possibility of plenty everywhere, yet at the start they lived in harsh conditions.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are usually arrested when they return and are detained in harsh conditions.

The Guardian

An orchid that flowers in harsh conditions pollinates itself unassisted by any of the usual agents.

Nature

Ola al-Qaradawi has been imprisoned in Egypt in harsh conditions since June.

The New York Times

It followed an engine failure that left the ship stranded in harsh conditions.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in harsh conditions", consider the specific aspect you want to emphasize, whether it's the severity, the environment, or the challenge. Tailor your choice to fit the context for clearer communication.

Common error

Avoid using "in harsh conditions" in contexts that aren't genuinely severe. Overusing it can dilute its impact. Opt for more nuanced language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in harsh conditions" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to describe the circumstances under which an action occurs or a state exists. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in harsh conditions" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its purpose is to emphasize the difficulty or severity of a situation. It is prevalent in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, denoting a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider the specific context and intended emphasis to ensure it aligns with the overall message. Be cautious of overuse in less severe contexts to maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under difficult circumstances

A more general alternative, indicating that the conditions are not easy to deal with.

under severe circumstances

Focuses on the gravity of the situation, highlighting the difficult circumstances.

in adverse situations

Focuses on the negative and unfavorable nature of the circumstances.

in extreme environments

Emphasizes the environmental aspect, suitable when the conditions are related to weather or geography.

under trying conditions

Emphasizes the stressful and testing nature of the conditions.

amidst challenging situations

Highlights the presence of challenges, framing the conditions as tests to overcome.

in demanding environments

Highlights the high demands placed by the environment or situation.

in rigorous settings

Suggests conditions that are demanding and require strict adherence to rules or procedures.

amidst austere conditions

Implies simplicity and a lack of comfort or luxury.

in bleak situations

Emphasizes the hopelessness and grimness of the conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "in harsh conditions" to describe difficult or extreme situations, such as "The refugees lived "in harsh conditions" with limited access to food and water".

What can I say instead of "in harsh conditions"?

You can use alternatives like "under severe circumstances", "in extreme environments", or "in difficult circumstances" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "in harsh conditions" or "under harsh conditions"?

Both ""in harsh conditions"" and "under harsh conditions" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably, although ""in harsh conditions"" is slightly more common.

What's the difference between "in harsh conditions" and "in poor conditions"?

"In harsh conditions" suggests a more severe and extreme environment than "in poor conditions", which implies a lack of quality or resources.