more harshly

USAGE SUMMARY

'more harshly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe how something is done, said, or implemented with greater force or intensity compared to something else. For example: "The judge sentenced the accused criminal more harshly this time due to the severity of the crime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rights groups responded more harshly.

The New York Times

I'd rather they behave more harshly".

The Guardian

So perhaps teachers and peers judge overweight girls more harshly.

The New York Times

Republicans, of course, grade the president's record more harshly.

The New York Times

Other offenders against censorship were dealt with even more harshly.

The New York Times - Arts

(Some television critics have put that sentiment more harshly).

The New York Times

Will posterity judge him more harshly or more kindly?

The Guardian

Juliet spoke out more harshly than she intended.

The New Yorker

I think I've written more harshly about men than women.

The Guardian

This passage suggests Legg will treat them more harshly.

The Guardian

Women seem to get criticised far more harshly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more harshly" to indicate a greater degree of strictness, severity, or intensity in judgment, treatment, or impact.

Common error

Avoid using "more harshly" without specifying what the subject is being compared to. A vague statement like "He was treated "more harshly"" lacks context and leaves the reader wondering about the basis of comparison.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more harshly" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It suggests a greater degree of severity or strictness in comparison to a previous or alternative action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used to describe how something is done with greater force or intensity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more harshly" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase indicating a greater degree of severity or strictness. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's predominantly found in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. To ensure clarity, it's crucial to provide a clear comparison when using the phrase. Alternatives like "more severely" or "more strictly" can be used depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. While highly versatile, the key to effective use lies in providing context and avoiding vague comparisons.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more severely

Emphasizes the intensity of the punishment or consequences.

more strictly

Highlights the adherence to rules and regulations with greater rigor.

more critically

Focuses on a heightened level of scrutiny and judgment.

more rigorously

Implies a stricter application of methods or standards.

more intensely

Indicates a greater degree of force or emotion.

more sternly

Suggests a firmer and less forgiving approach.

more unforgivingly

Emphasizes a lack of leniency or compassion.

with greater severity

Rephrases the concept using a prepositional phrase for emphasis.

to a greater extent

Highlights the degree to which something is done.

with increased stringency

Focuses on the stricter enforcement of rules or policies.

FAQs

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

You can use "more harshly" to describe a situation where someone or something is treated with greater severity or strictness. For example, "The judge ruled "more harshly" on repeat offenders".

What are some alternatives to "more harshly"?

Alternatives include "more severely", "more strictly", or "more critically" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "more harsh" instead of "more harshly"?

While "harsh" is an adjective, "harshly" is an adverb. Therefore, it's grammatically correct to use "more harshly" to modify a verb or describe how something is done. "More harsh" is less common and often sounds awkward.

What's the difference between "more harshly" and "more severely"?

Both phrases indicate a greater degree of intensity, but "more harshly" often implies a sense of unfairness or excessive rigor, while "more severely" simply suggests a greater degree of seriousness or consequence.