is severe to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is severe to" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or incorrect in many contexts.
It could be used when describing the impact of something that is harsh or extreme on a subject, but it is better to use it with more clarity. Example: "The new regulations are severe to small businesses, making it difficult for them to survive."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Due to the large variation of indications, as well as different sizes and locations of pulmonary lesions, diagnostic yield of TBB by forceps is severe to describe.

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

It's not been mild, it's not moderate, I wouldn't say it's severe - well it is severe to me - [answer left blank].

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"What is moderate to me could be severe to you," he said.

The New York Times - Health

However, the cost would have been severe to the Greek people's sense of national dignity.

Huffington Post

He was severe to younger members of the association, whom he sometimes sharply criticised.

Wikipedia

This was severe to cause extensive excoriation.

BMC Infectious Diseases

This failure must be severe to be considered a breach.

WikiHow

The issue is severe enough to have attracted the attention of mainstream media and governments.

Journal of Big Data

In rare situations this arterial constriction is severe enough to cause brain ischemia [15 17].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The bullying situation in America is severe enough to result in teen suicide.

Huffington Post

If your acne is severe, talk to a dermatologist.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider more common and direct alternatives such as "is detrimental to" or "is harmful to" for clearer and more impactful writing. This ensures your message is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "is severe to" when a more direct verb like "harms", "damages", or "threatens" would be clearer and more concise. Direct verbs often make sentences more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is severe to" functions as a linking phrase, connecting a subject to the impact it has on something else. Ludwig AI indicates limited usage, suggesting it's not a primary choice for expressing severity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is severe to" is grammatically acceptable but not commonly used in contemporary English. Ludwig AI suggests that while it conveys the idea of something having a strong, often negative, impact, it is often better to consider stronger or more straightforward alternatives such as "is detrimental to", "is harmful to", or "has severe consequences for". The phrase appears in a mix of contexts, ranging from science and news to wiki articles. For clearer and more impactful writing, consider using these more direct alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is detrimental to

Focuses on the damaging or harmful effects.

is harmful to

Emphasizes the potential for causing damage or injury.

is damaging to

Highlights the act of causing harm or impairment.

is injurious to

A more formal way to express causing harm or damage.

has severe consequences for

Shifts focus to the results or outcomes of a situation.

poses a severe risk to

Highlights potential dangers and threats.

is acutely harmful to

Increases the sense of urgency, making it more acute.

is extremely detrimental to

Increases the degree of damage or harm.

is very damaging to

Intensifies the degree of damage caused.

is tough on

More informal way of describing something that has a severe impact.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "is severe to"?

You can use alternatives like "is detrimental to", "is harmful to", or "has severe consequences for" depending on the specific context.

Is "is severe to" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "is severe to" is not a common or natural-sounding phrase in contemporary English. More direct and widely accepted alternatives usually exist.

How can I use "is severe to" correctly in a sentence?

While possible, it's often better to rephrase. For example, instead of "The punishment is severe to him", consider "The punishment is harsh on him" or "The punishment severely impacts him".

When is it appropriate to use "is severe to"?

It might be used when emphasizing the degree of impact or consequence on a subject, but even then, alternatives like "is detrimental to" or "poses a severe risk to" are typically clearer and more common.