it can be severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it can be severe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the potential seriousness or intensity of a situation, condition, or outcome. Example: "The consequences of ignoring safety protocols can be severe, leading to accidents and injuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Although the disease may cause only a mild illness in healthy people, it can be severe and even fatal in older people.

The New York Times - Science

"Depression can and does occur in the wake of bereavement, it can be severe and debilitating, and calling it by any other name is doing a disservice to people who may require more careful attention," said Dr. Sidney Zisook, a psychiatrist at the University of California, San Diego.

The New York Times - Health

It can be severe and poorly controlled with H1 antihistamines in some patients.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

4 According to our estimations, it can be severe, reducing the water level by almost 3 m per year.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Although intestinal perforation after nivolumab immunotherapy is rare, it can be severe and requires early diagnosis and emergency surgery to ensure a favorable prognosis.

Surgical Case Reports

In the majority of cases, RSV infection is a mild and self-limiting illness, however it can be severe enough to cause lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) requiring hospitalisation in babies and infants and is associated with significant respiratory morbidity including bronchiolitis, pneumonia and even death [1, 2].

Health Economics Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

And while a person generally can't see it, smell it or taste it, they can breathe it and ingest it -- and the consequences can be severe.

Huffington Post

Hip-hop can be severe — it is a proactive folk music, in the sense that it critiques systems of marginalization, mandates change, expresses grief — but, despite its ferocity, it is rarely as self-serious as other popular genres.

The New Yorker

Because the initial symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can be severe, it is not uncommon for you to have to stay in the hospital for a short time after your diagnosis.[1].

WikiHow

Recently, however, studies on interactions between divergent populations suggest that outbreeding depression can be severe if it occurs and may cause larger negative impacts on reproductive fitness than inbreeding depression (Araki et al. 2009, Theriault et al. 2011).

Evolutionary Applications

Bleeding can be severe.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it can be severe", consider specifying the potential consequences to enhance clarity and impact. For example, instead of just saying "the illness can be severe", you could say "the illness can be severe, leading to hospitalization and long-term complications."

Common error

Avoid using "it can be severe" as a standalone statement without providing context or examples. This can make your writing vague and less persuasive. Always support the claim with specific details.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it can be severe" functions as a descriptor, indicating the potential intensity, degree, or seriousness of a condition, situation, or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it can be severe" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the potential for significant negative outcomes across a range of contexts. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and general usage. While frequently found in scientific and news-related articles, the phrase’s neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. To maximize clarity and impact, it's best practice to accompany the phrase with specific details regarding the potential consequences, which will help preventing the phrase from sounding vague.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it can be drastic

Emphasizes the extreme and sudden nature of potential consequences.

it can be extreme

Highlights the potential for consequences to reach a very high degree or intensity.

it can be critical

Focuses on the importance and potential turning point that the situation represents.

it can be intense

Describes the high degree of energy or force that the situation or consequences might involve.

it can be serious

A more general term indicating the potential for negative outcomes or significant impact.

it can be acute

Highlights the sharpness, intensity, and often sudden onset of the condition or consequences.

it can be overwhelming

Conveys a sense of being overpowering or difficult to manage.

it can be devastating

Emphasizes the destructive and damaging nature of the potential outcomes.

it can be crippling

Focuses on the potential for something to severely limit or disable.

it can be ruinous

Highlights the potential for something to cause complete destruction or failure.

FAQs

How can I use "it can be severe" in a sentence?

Use "it can be severe" to describe the potential intensity, seriousness, or damaging effects of something. For instance, "If left untreated, the infection "it can be severe", causing permanent organ damage."

What's a more formal alternative to "it can be severe"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it may be critical", "it may prove detrimental", or "it could have grave consequences". These options convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "it can be serious" and "it can be severe"?

"It can be serious" generally indicates a potential for negative outcomes, while "it can be severe" implies a higher degree of intensity or damage. Severe suggests a more extreme and potentially irreversible impact.

Can "it can be severe" be used to describe emotional states?

Yes, "it can be severe" can describe intense emotional states, such as "anxiety "it can be severe", impacting daily functioning". However, ensure the context justifies the use of such a strong term.