much more severe

USAGE SUMMARY

"much more severe" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is significantly more extreme or intense than something else. Example sentence: The punishment for this particular crime was much more severe than usual.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eventually, things became "much more severe.

The Guardian - Money

"Certain diseases can then become much more severe.

The New York Times

"The consequences are much more severe than they believed.

The New York Times - Sports

"I believe the crisis is much more severe.

The Guardian - Business

"But this is much more severe," Mr. Beemer said.

The New York Times

Quite possibly a much more severe problem than anyone suspected.

The New Yorker

The monsoonal downpour that hit Townsville was much more severe.

The Guardian

"And what they are saying is much more severe".

The New York Times

Although it was much more severe in the ocean, it affected terrestrial ecosystems too.

University of California, Berkeley

On sites with thin soil, the effect was that much more severe.

Cornell University

The lateral vibration is much more severe than axial vibration for horizontal drillstring.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "much more severe", consider the audience and the desired tone. While effective for conveying seriousness, it may be necessary to balance it with sensitivity in delicate situations.

Common error

Avoid using "much more severe" in contexts where a simpler, less dramatic term would suffice. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "much more severe" functions as a degree modifier, specifically intensifying the adjective "severe". It indicates a significantly greater level of intensity, seriousness, or extremity compared to something else. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "much more severe" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight a significant escalation in the intensity or impact of a given situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid phrase across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Academic domains, its neutral to formal tone makes it suitable for scenarios demanding a clear and emphatic portrayal of severity. When employing the phrase, aim for precision and relevance, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "considerably more serious" or "significantly more critical" can offer nuanced ways to express similar levels of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably more serious

Emphasizes the heightened level of seriousness compared to the original phrase.

significantly more critical

Highlights the increased criticality or urgency of a situation.

far more intense

Focuses on the amplified intensity or strength of something.

substantially more acute

Indicates a greater degree of sharpness or intensity.

markedly more grave

Stresses the notably increased gravity or seriousness of a situation.

noticeably more drastic

Highlights the evident and significant change in severity.

appreciably more profound

Emphasizes the deeper or more significant impact.

distinctly more rigorous

Focuses on the clearly increased strictness or thoroughness.

measurably more extreme

Indicates a quantifiable and higher level of extremity.

infinitely more devastating

Highlights the immeasurably greater destructive impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "much more severe" to describe something that is significantly worse or intense compared to something else. For example: "The economic impact of the pandemic was "much more severe" than initially predicted."

What are some alternatives to "much more severe"?

Alternatives include "considerably more serious", "significantly more critical", or "far more intense". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "much more severe" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "much more severe" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize a significant increase in intensity or consequence. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

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

"Much more severe" indicates a considerably greater degree of severity than simply "more severe". It is used to emphasize that the difference is substantial and significant.