more severe

USAGE SUMMARY

"more severe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a situation is more serious or intense than it was before. Example: "The government imposed more severe restrictions on public gatherings due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The more severe crashes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Sentences are more severe.

The New Yorker

Their words became more severe.

The New York Times

And punishments are more severe.

The Economist

Corruption is more severe.

The Guardian

Sentences tend to be more severe.

The Economist

But her case was more severe.

The New York Times

Some have grown more severe.

The Guardian - Business

Still, his episodes grew more severe.

The New York Times

More severe or less severe?

The Guardian

More severe punishment is expected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more severe", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being compared. For example, specify what the current situation is more severe than.

Common error

Avoid using "more severe" with terms that are already absolute, such as "fatal" or "unique". Severity implies a degree, which doesn't align with absolute states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more severe" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a greater degree of intensity, seriousness, or extremity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. Many examples show it describing conditions, punishments, or damage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more severe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative adjective phrase. Ludwig AI highlights its correct usage. It serves to emphasize a greater degree of intensity or seriousness, primarily in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly establish the basis of comparison and avoid pairing it with absolute terms. Related phrases like "more critical" or "more intense" can provide alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Overall, "more severe" is a versatile phrase for highlighting escalation and prompting attention in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more serious

Indicates a greater level of gravity or concern.

more critical

Emphasizes the urgency or importance of a situation.

more acute

Highlights the sharpness or intensity of a condition or problem.

more intense

Focuses on the heightened degree or strength of something.

more extreme

Suggests a departure from the norm, reaching an outer limit.

more drastic

Implies a significant and potentially abrupt change or action.

more aggravated

Highlights the worsening or intensification of an existing problem.

more heightened

Focuses on the increased level or degree of something.

more pronounced

Emphasizes the clarity and obviousness of a change or effect.

more grievous

Highlights the severity causing pain or sadness.

FAQs

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

Use "more severe" to compare the intensity or seriousness of something. For instance, "The symptoms of the new variant are "more severe" than those of the previous strain."

What are some alternatives to "more severe"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "more critical", "more intense", or "more acute" as alternatives to "more severe".

Which is correct, "more severe" or "severer"?

"More severe" is the correct and commonly used form. "Severer" is rarely used and sounds awkward. Always opt for "more severe".

What's the difference between "more severe" and "more serious"?

While both phrases indicate increased gravity, "more severe" often implies a greater intensity or degree of something negative, while "more serious" suggests a higher level of concern or consequence.