is severe enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is severe enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or condition that meets a certain level of severity or intensity. Example: "The damage caused by the storm is severe enough to warrant a state of emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the damage is severe enough, they cannot survive.

The New York Times - Science

In some cases, if the loss of smell is severe enough, it can pose serious risks.

The New York Times

Symptoms and toxic signs then develop, and, if the toxicity is severe enough, death may result.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(This imagined drought is severe enough to force a parched Pennsylvania to invade New York).

The New Yorker

If the opacity is severe enough to affect vision, it is called a cataract.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sensation is usually one of itching, although if itching is severe enough, it can feel like burning.

The New York Times - Health

If the trauma that causes a blister is severe enough, it may fill with blood, not just serum.

The New York Times - Science

On the other hand, the terrorist infrastructure in Somalia is severe enough to deny the country any sense of normality and stability, or for governance to take root.

The Guardian - Opinion

The milk crisis is severe enough to put many farms at risk, raising the potential of abandoned farmland susceptible to development.

The New York Times

In judging whether an action is severe enough to warrant a penalty, refs may, for instance, take cues from the spectators' reaction.

The New Yorker

Applicants for disability grant are assessed and diagnosed by a doctor who recommends whether their impairment is severe enough to qualify.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is severe enough", ensure the context clearly defines what consequences arise from the severity. Be specific about the implications of something being 'severe enough' to provide a comprehensive understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "is severe enough" in contexts where the definition of 'severe' is ambiguous. This can lead to unclear communication and weaken the impact of your statement. Always provide clear criteria for what constitutes 'severe' in your specific context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is severe enough" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that a condition or situation has reached a critical level of intensity or impact. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is commonly used to describe scenarios where consequences are significant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

57%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is severe enough" is a versatile adjective phrase used to emphasize the intensity or critical nature of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting its relevance across various domains. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide clear context about the consequences that arise from the identified severity. Alternatives like "is serious enough" or "is critical enough" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is serious enough

Changes the focus from severity to seriousness, implying importance and potential consequences.

is critical enough

Emphasizes the urgency and immediate need for attention or action.

is bad enough

Indicates a level of negativity that warrants concern or intervention.

is intense enough

Highlights the high degree of strength, force, or emotion involved.

is acute enough

Implies a sudden and sharp onset, suggesting a pressing need for medical or other intervention.

is significant enough

Focuses on the importance and impact of something, rather than its intensity.

is considerable enough

Suggests that something has reached a notable or substantial level.

is drastic enough

Emphasizes that a change is extreme and likely to have far-reaching effects.

is pronounced enough

Highlights that something is clearly noticeable or evident.

is marked enough

Similar to 'pronounced enough', indicating a clear and distinct characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "is severe enough" in a sentence?

Use "is severe enough" to indicate that something has reached a critical level of intensity or impact. For instance, "The storm damage "is severe enough" to require federal assistance."

What are some alternatives to saying "is severe enough"?

Alternatives include "is serious enough", "is critical enough", or "is significant enough". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is severe enough" or "is serious enough"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "is severe enough" emphasizes the intensity or degree of something, while "is serious enough" highlights the potential consequences or implications. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.

What does "is severe enough" imply about the situation being described?

The phrase implies that the situation has reached a threshold where significant action or intervention is necessary. It suggests the issue has surpassed a moderate level and now demands immediate attention or resources.