lessen the severity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lessen the severity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ways to reduce the intensity or seriousness of a situation, condition, or problem. Example: "The new policy aims to lessen the severity of the impact on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tanox, a Houston biotechnology company, is testing a drug to lessen the severity of peanut allergies.

The New York Times - Science

Skin creams containing omega-3 fatty acids can lessen the severity of skin symptoms and, in some cases, prevent dermatitis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Drugs like the Betaseron that Mr. Bartlet is taking can lessen the severity of the attacks and lengthen the amount of time between them.

The New York Times - Health

Regulators have mandated a new electronically controlled braking system that would prevent — or lessen the severity of — crashes like the one in Oregon.

The Washington Post

If doctors suspect a problem during pregnancy or when labor begins, there are treatments that can lessen the severity of a brain injury to babies.

Cornell University

Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the head, ears, eyes, face, hands, and legs are designed to prevent or lessen the severity of injuries for workers using chainsaws.

Cornell University

The star anise dangling from his trees emerged as a source for the key ingredient in Tamiflu, a pharmaceutical known to lessen the severity of avian flu.

The Washington Post

Except on the coast, the dryness of the air and the consequent rapidity of evaporation greatly lessen the severity of summer heat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The lobby interior is clad in richly veined Portuguese marble, the kind of sumptuous material that Loos used to lessen the severity of his spaces.

The New York Times - Arts

Type 2 diabetes is usually brought on by obesity, and patients can often lessen the severity of the disease, or even get rid of it entirely, by losing about 10percentt of their body weight.

The New York Times

A late November hearing meant there was no chance the session could be used to push OPM and John Hancock to find ways to lessen the severity of the hit.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lessen the severity", ensure the context clearly identifies what is being lessened. For example, specify if you are referring to symptoms, impact, or consequences to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lessen the severity" when complete elimination is intended. This phrase implies a reduction, not a removal, of the problem or issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lessen the severity" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action taken to reduce the intensity or impact of a condition, event, or situation. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use across diverse contexts, reinforcing its versatile application in describing mitigation efforts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lessen the severity" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates actions taken to reduce the impact or intensity of a situation, condition, or problem. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, including news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "mitigate the impact" or "reduce the intensity" exist, choosing "lessen the severity" implies a specific focus on diminishing the seriousness of something. Remember to specify the context of what is being lessened for clarity and avoid using it when complete elimination is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mitigate the impact

Focuses on reducing the negative effects or consequences of an event or action.

reduce the intensity

Emphasizes lowering the degree or strength of something, often related to feelings or forces.

alleviate the effect

Highlights providing relief from an adverse condition or situation.

diminish the impact

Suggests making the effect smaller or less significant.

weaken the effect

Implies reducing the power or strength of an influence or result.

ease the impact

Conveys making the effect less burdensome or difficult to bear.

soften the blow

Idiomatic expression indicating making bad news or a negative event less shocking or painful.

temper the effect

Suggests moderating or controlling the intensity of the effect.

ameliorate the condition

Specifically aims at improving an unsatisfactory situation or state.

curtail the damage

Highlights limiting or reducing harm or destruction.

FAQs

How can I use "lessen the severity" in a sentence?

You can use "lessen the severity" to describe actions that reduce the impact or intensity of something negative. For example: "The new medication aims to lessen the severity of the patient's symptoms."

What are some alternatives to "lessen the severity"?

Alternatives include "mitigate the impact", "reduce the intensity", or "alleviate the effect", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "lessen the severity" or should I use "reduce the severity"?

Both "lessen the severity" and "reduce the severity" are grammatically correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, with "lessen" sometimes implying a more gradual or subtle reduction.

What's the difference between "lessen the severity" and "prevent the occurrence"?

"Lessen the severity" implies reducing the impact of something that has already occurred or is occurring. "Prevent the occurrence" means stopping something from happening at all. For example, a vaccine aims to prevent the occurrence of a disease, while medication might lessen the severity of its symptoms.