it was severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was severe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, condition, or event that was intense or harsh in nature. Example: "The storm last night was so intense that it was severe, causing widespread damage across the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Still, given its subject, it was severe, and touching.

The New Yorker

It was severe head trauma".

The New York Times - Sports

"It was severe abdominal pain.

The New York Times

The injury was only a sprain, but it was severe.

The New York Times - Sports

"They didn't say that it was severe icing," he said, referring to the cockpit crew, and "the weatherman didn't say that it was severe icing".

The New York Times

They said it was severe and couldn't be left without treatment.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It's severe and it's pervasive".

The New York Times

The turnaround has been as sudden as it is severe.

The New York Times - Tech

"Anxiety," he writes, "when it is severe, erodes the self".

The Guardian - Books

If so, will it be severe and prolonged?

The New York Times

It is severe only in the sense that it has a certain simplicity.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was severe", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to. Be specific about the subject to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was severe" without providing enough context. Instead of saying, "The problem was severe", specify the nature of the problem: "The drought was severe, leading to widespread crop failure."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was severe" functions as a declarative statement, where 'it' serves as a pronoun referring to a previously mentioned subject, 'was' is the past tense of the verb 'be', and 'severe' acts as an adjective describing the condition or state of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was severe" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe something intense or extreme. Ludwig AI indicates that it commonly appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity, always ensure the antecedent of "it" is clear and specific. Consider alternatives like "it was critical" or "it was intense" for nuanced meanings. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately convey the severity of a situation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was critical

Emphasizes the importance and potential danger of the situation.

it was intense

Highlights the high degree of force or emotion involved.

it was extreme

Focuses on the situation being far from the norm or average.

it was acute

Indicates a sudden and serious onset or intensification.

it was drastic

Suggests a radical and potentially far-reaching effect.

it was terrible

Highlights the unpleasantness or awfulness of the situation.

it was grave

Stresses the seriousness and potential for negative outcomes.

it was significant

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the situation.

it was considerable

Highlights the magnitude or extent of the situation.

it was dreadful

Indicates a situation that is exceptionally bad or unpleasant.

FAQs

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

Use "it was severe" to describe something intense, extreme, or critical. For example, "The storm last night was so intense, "it was severe", causing widespread damage across the city."

What are some alternatives to "it was severe"?

You can use alternatives like "it was critical", "it was intense", or "it was extreme" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was severe"?

Yes, "it was severe" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to describe the intensity or extremity of a situation, condition, or event.

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

While both describe something negative, ""it was severe"" implies a higher degree of intensity or impact than "it was serious". Severe suggests something drastic or extreme, while serious indicates something important and potentially concerning.