quite severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite severe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very serious or extreme. Example: The effects of the hurricane were quite severe, leaving many people without homes or electricity.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Our Italian parsley has come through several frosts, including one that was quite severe (26 degrees) without suffering any damage.

The New York Times

We can sometimes appear quite severe".

The Guardian

"They are quite severe," Koike said.

The New Yorker

These behaviors can often be quite severe and even threatening.

The Guardian

Because if we don't, the consequences could be quite severe".

The Guardian

Regulations in dengue-afflicted countries can be quite severe.

The Guardian

Core mobile activities also remain under quite severe pressure.

The Guardian - Business

"They may end up with quite severe penalties".

Independent

Some of these disruptions have been quite severe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But combining these treatments also increases the likelihood of potentially quite severe side effects.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He was trying to get up, but his head injury was quite severe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "quite severe", consider the audience and context. While widely accepted, ensure the level of formality aligns with your communication style. For highly formal settings, "very serious" or "extremely critical" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "quite severe" in casual conversations or informal writing where it may sound overly dramatic or unnatural. Simpler alternatives like "really bad" or "pretty serious" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite severe" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a significant degree of intensity or seriousness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite severe" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase to emphasize the intensity or seriousness of a situation. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in English writing. While generally neutral in register, it appears most commonly in news and media, and scientific contexts. When writing, consider the audience and context to ensure that it appropriately conveys the intended level of gravity, perhaps opting for alternatives in more informal settings. Remember that overuse could be perceived as overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very serious

Emphasizes the gravity or importance of a situation.

extremely critical

Highlights a state of urgency or potential danger.

considerably harsh

Focuses on the rigorous or unyielding nature of something.

remarkably acute

Stresses the sharp or intense nature of a condition or problem.

exceptionally grave

Underscores the weighty and serious consequences of a situation.

significantly drastic

Indicates a radical or extreme change or measure.

noticeably intense

Highlights the high degree or strength of something.

decidedly extreme

Emphasizes the outermost or furthest point from the norm.

particularly rigorous

Focuses on the strictness or demanding nature of a process or rule.

relatively critical

Points out a degree of importance or urgency, but less than "extremely critical".

FAQs

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

You can use "quite severe" to describe situations, conditions, or consequences that are very serious or intense. For example, "The storm caused quite severe damage to the coastal areas."

What are some alternatives to "quite severe"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "very serious", "extremely critical", or "considerably harsh".

Is it appropriate to use "quite severe" in formal writing?

Yes, "quite severe" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize the seriousness or intensity of something. However, consider your audience and the specific context.

What's the difference between "quite severe" and "very severe"?

While both phrases indicate a high degree of seriousness, "very severe" might imply a slightly higher level of intensity than "quite severe". The choice between the two often depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.