pretty stringent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty stringent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe rules, regulations, or standards that are quite strict or demanding. Example: "The new safety regulations are pretty stringent, requiring all employees to undergo extensive training before operating machinery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"The quality filter will be pretty stringent.

The New York Times

"But we have pretty stringent underwriting standards.

The New York Times

I'm sure there are some pretty stringent rules about flying with a baby monkey.

The New York Times

"I was pretty stringent about it," Bern said recently in a phone interview.

The New York Times

"These are pretty stringent requirements," said Sandy Praeger, the Kansas insurance commissioner, who supervised the drafting of the rules.

The New York Times - Health

"There were pretty stringent rules back then," recalls Ms. Fitzgerald, now 50 and a grandmother living in Dallas.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

This is a fairly stringent criterion.

BBC

Sentries of old might have considered the requirement for someone to whisper the word "Methuselah" to get past a checkpoint to be pretty damn stringent, but as soon as "Methuselah" was forgotten or passed on (deliberately or inadvertently), they may as well have abandoned the checkpoint and put up a sign saying: "Come on in".

Independent

While reporting on Chipotle's recent foodborne illness outbreaks, several food safety experts, including yourself, suggested the company might have a hard time implementing its new rules, because the poultry industry is pretty resistant to more stringent testing for pathogens.

Independent

But the number of people who actually get into Britain illegally must be pretty small, due to the stringent checks that exist at our main points of entry.

Independent

But even by more stringent standards of fun, the coming year looks pretty good.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing rules or guidelines, use "pretty stringent" to convey that they are notably strict but not excessively so. It strikes a balance between being demanding and realistically enforceable.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty stringent" in highly formal or academic writing. While acceptable, it can sound less professional than alternatives like "quite rigorous" or "fairly strict". Choose words that match the tone of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty stringent" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, used to describe the degree or intensity of something. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usability in English, clarifying its role in defining how strict something is.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty stringent" is a commonly used adjective phrase that indicates something is notably strict or rigorous. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, predominantly in neutral contexts such as news and media. While it might be less appropriate for highly formal or academic settings, it effectively communicates a significant degree of strictness. Alternative phrases, such as "quite strict" or "fairly rigorous", may be used depending on the desired level of formality. Always consider your audience and context when selecting the most appropriate phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite strict

This alternative uses 'quite' instead of 'pretty', which means with similar intensity. 'Strict' is similar in meaning to 'stringent'.

fairly rigorous

This alternative uses 'fairly' which is slightly less emphatic than 'pretty', and 'rigorous' to replace stringent, conveying the same core concept of demanding standards.

reasonably rigorous

This option uses 'reasonably' in place of 'pretty', implying a degree of reasonability, while 'rigorous' replaces 'stringent' maintaining the meaning.

moderately strict

This alternative uses 'moderately' which indicates slightly less intensity than 'pretty', and 'strict' to replace 'stringent'.

somewhat demanding

This alternative substitutes 'pretty stringent' with 'somewhat demanding', changing the adjective used to describe the intensity and the quality itself.

relatively severe

This phrase replaces "pretty stringent" with "relatively severe", indicating a degree of harshness in rules or standards.

considerably firm

This option replaces 'pretty' with 'considerably', adding a slightly more formal tone, and substitutes 'stringent' with 'firm', keeping the core meaning.

noticeably tight

This phrase replaces "pretty stringent" with "noticeably tight", giving a sense of restriction that is easily observed.

markedly controlled

This option replaces "pretty stringent" with "markedly controlled", shifting the focus towards the active control exerted.

distinctly enforced

This changes the focus from the rules themselves to how they are applied, replacing "pretty stringent" with "distinctly enforced".

FAQs

How can I use "pretty stringent" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty stringent" to describe rules, requirements, or standards that are notably strict. For example, "The company has "pretty stringent" safety regulations for all employees."

What's the difference between "pretty stringent" and "very strict"?

"Pretty stringent" suggests a notable degree of strictness, but it's generally perceived as slightly less intense than "very strict". "Very strict" implies an uncompromising adherence to rules.

What are some alternatives to using "pretty stringent"?

You can use alternatives like "quite strict", "fairly rigorous", or "moderately strict" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "pretty stringent" in formal writing?

While "pretty stringent" is understandable and acceptable, it's generally better suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "highly regulated" or "extremely controlled".