more severe than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more severe than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the intensity or seriousness of one situation or condition to another. Example: "The storm was more severe than the previous one, causing significant damage to the coastal areas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

If the rumours are more severe than that, then they are simply false".

The Guardian - Business

Nothing can get more severe than that".

The Guardian

"The consequences are much more severe than they believed.

The New York Times - Sports

"But, evidently, it is more severe than that," Coughlin said.

The New York Times - Sports

Pretty soon, her headaches came back, more severe than ever.

The New York Times - Magazine

But this is more severe than the Internet.

The New York Times

The diagnosis was more severe than any made in Jamaica.

The New York Times

It was far more severe than anyone expected.

The Economist

"It was more severe than anything we've drilled," she said.

The New York Times

But the flight from mutual funds has been much more severe than from variable annuities.

The New York Times

The penalties for fans who cross the line should be more severe than they are.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the severity of different situations, ensure the comparison is clear and specific. For example, instead of saying "the problem is more severe than expected", specify "the problem is more severe than initial estimates suggested, requiring additional resources".

Common error

Avoid using "more severe than" without providing context or a reference point for the comparison. Saying "the consequences are more severe" is less effective than specifying "the consequences are more severe than previous policy changes" or "more severe than the benefits gained".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more severe than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe a noun by comparing its level of severity to that of another noun. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this usage is grammatically correct and common across various types of texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more severe than" is a grammatically sound and commonly used comparative phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It functions to emphasize the greater intensity or seriousness of one thing compared to another, appearing frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is clear and specific to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "more critical than" and "more intense than", which may be appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more serious than

Highlights the gravity or importance of a situation.

more critical than

Indicates a higher level of criticality or importance.

more significant than

Indicates a greater level of importance or consequence.

more acute than

Emphasizes the sharpness or intensity of a situation or condition.

more intense than

Focuses on a greater degree of intensity or strength.

worse than

A simpler way to express a negative comparison.

more extreme than

Suggests a higher degree of extremity or deviation from the norm.

more drastic than

Implies a more significant or forceful action or change.

more pronounced than

Emphasizes a greater degree of visibility or distinctness.

greater than

Indicates a higher degree or amount in a general sense.

FAQs

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

You can use "more severe than" to compare the intensity or seriousness of two different things. For example, "The economic downturn was "more severe than" anticipated".

What are some alternatives to using "more severe than"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more critical than", "more intense than", or "more serious than".

Is it grammatically correct to say "more severe than"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "more severe than" is used to create a comparative adjective phrase, indicating that something has a greater degree of severity compared to something else.

What is the difference between "more severe than" and "worse than"?

"More severe than" and "worse than" both indicate a negative comparison, but "more severe than" often implies a greater degree of intensity or seriousness, while "worse than" is a more general comparison of negativity.