more stern

USAGE SUMMARY

'more stern' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when comparing two objects or people and when describing something as more intense or serious. For example: He had grown more stern in his old age, refusing to allow his grandchildren to stay out past dark.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

NATO hardly appeared more stern.

The New York Times

Suárez's actions spurred debate about sportsmanship, and whether he should be given a more stern penalty.

The New York Times - Sports

"Come here, Olive," I said a second time, in a more stern voice.

The New Yorker

The two made an odd pair, with Chichakli the voluble prankster to Bout's more stern, measured presence.

The New Yorker

Girardi took a more stern tone when discussing Nova, who was activated Friday but sent to the bullpen.

The New York Times - Sports

Other banners saying "Hebron Independents" feature 12 less formal photos, including three women, with looks more stern than smiling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

More stern-faced men had gathered in the street in front of the gates.

The New Yorker

In some circles, "national security" has simply become a more stern-sounding way of talking about anything that happens overseas.

Vice

With Jordan's basketball knowledge and Falk's clientele, they could work together in creating a dynasty, usurp more of Stern's power and make the commissioner yearn for the days of competitive balance.

The New York Times - Sports

These ships are usually characterised by different hull forms and more complex stern configuration due to the presence of appendages like skegs, shaft lines and brackets, which can strongly affect manoeuvrability behaviour.

Ocean Engineering

Stephen Armstrong was more than usually stern, and his wife, Viola, more than ordinarily devoted to Jesus.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more stern", ensure the context clearly defines what is becoming stricter or more severe. For example, specify if you are referring to tone, rules, or consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "more stern" when a milder term like "more serious" is more appropriate. "Stern" implies a significant degree of severity, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more stern" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to describe something (a person, situation, or action) as having a greater degree of severity or strictness than something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more stern" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase used to describe an increased level of severity, strictness, or disapproval. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "more stern", consider whether a term like "more severe" or "stricter" might be more appropriate to precisely convey your intended meaning. Remember that "stern" indicates a substantial degree of seriousness. Also, be mindful of overuse, as other alternatives may at times be more suitable. Overall, "more stern" remains a sound choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stricter

Emphasizes increased adherence to rules or discipline.

more severe

Highlights the increased intensity of consequences or actions.

more rigid

Focuses on a lack of flexibility or adaptability.

more firm

Indicates a stronger resolve or determination.

more austere

Emphasizes a lack of ornamentation or comfort, often implying seriousness.

more harsh

Highlights the unpleasant or cruel nature of something.

more exacting

Focuses on demanding a higher standard of performance or behavior.

more serious

Indicates a greater level of importance or concern.

more unyielding

Emphasizes an unwillingness to compromise or change.

more uncompromising

Highlights a refusal to make concessions.

FAQs

How to use "more stern" in a sentence?

You can use "more stern" to compare degrees of severity or strictness. For example: "After the incident, the principal adopted a "more stern" approach to discipline."

What can I say instead of "more stern"?

Alternatives to "more stern" include "stricter", "more severe", or "more rigid", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "more stern" or "sterner"?

Both "more stern" and "sterner" are grammatically correct; "sterner" is a shorter, inflected form, while "more stern" is a periphrastic comparative. Use the one that best suits the flow of your sentence. For example you can say both "The teacher was "more stern" this year" or "The teacher was "sterner" this year".

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

"More stern" suggests an increased severity or strictness in manner or enforcement. "More serious" indicates a greater degree of importance or concern. Choose the term that accurately reflects the intended meaning.