more harsh

USAGE SUMMARY

"more harsh" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that describes a person, thing or situation that is even more harsh than before. For example, "The consequences of breaking the school's rules are more harsh this year than ever before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some have been more harsh.

The New York Times

Prepare for more harsh truths.

The Guardian - Books

This one, though, is, by any measure, far more harsh.

The New York Times

America has another way with melancholia: it's much more harsh.

The Guardian - Film

"It is a much more harsh depiction," she added.

The Guardian - Books

Across the border in Afghanistan, there are more harsh moments.

The New York Times

In many places, life is even more harsh than it was under the old economic order.

The Economist

That would probably lead to another outcry and more harsh measures from politicians and regulators.

The New York Times

The sentence would have been more harsh had Mr. Gordon pleaded not guilty, Mr. Arnon said.

The New York Times

In fact, they're even more harsh on the president than adults.

The New York Times

Fluorescent light is generally perceived as more harsh than incandescent light.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing consequences, use "more harsh" to indicate an escalation in the severity of penalties or outcomes. For instance, "The new regulations are more harsh than the previous ones."

Common error

Avoid using "more harsh" when you mean something is simply rough or grating. "Harsh" implies severity, while "abrasive" describes a surface or manner that causes irritation. For example, a "harsh punishment" differs significantly from an "abrasive texture".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more harsh" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something as being increased in its quality of harshness when compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more harsh" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. According to Ludwig AI, its correctness is well-established. It primarily functions to express a greater degree of severity or strictness, commonly appearing in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While "harsher" exists as an alternative, "more harsh" provides a flexible option for comparison. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of increased severity rather than mere roughness, and consider context-appropriate alternatives like "more severe" or "more stringent".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more severe

Emphasizes the increased intensity or seriousness of something.

more stringent

Focuses on stricter rules or regulations.

more rigorous

Highlights increased thoroughness or demanding standards.

more intense

Indicates a greater level of energy or force.

more acute

Suggests a heightened level of sharpness or criticality.

more drastic

Implies a more extreme or radical measure.

more punitive

Highlights an increase in punishment or penalty.

more bitter

Conveys a stronger sense of resentment or unpleasantness.

more unkind

Emphasizes an increase of lack of kindness or sympathy.

more grim

Highlights a more depressing or unfavorable outlook.

FAQs

How can I use "more harsh" in a sentence?

You can use "more harsh" to compare the severity of two situations, actions, or consequences. For example, "The judge's sentencing was "more harsh" than expected."

What is a good substitute for "more harsh"?

Alternatives to "more harsh" include "more severe", "more stringent", or "more rigorous", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Which is correct: "more harsh" or "harsher"?

Both "more harsh" and "harsher" are grammatically correct. "Harsher" is the comparative form of "harsh", while "more harsh" uses the adverb "more" to achieve the same comparison. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "more harsh" and "less lenient"?

"More harsh" implies an increase in severity or strictness, while "less lenient" suggests a decrease in tolerance or permissiveness. While related, ""more harsh"" focuses on the intensity of the action or situation, and "less lenient" emphasizes a change in attitude or policy.