severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very serious, intense, or harsh, often in relation to conditions, situations, or feelings. Example: "The region is experiencing severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some officials say it is the most severe it has been in several years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her small, frail frame and severe difficulties breathing have brought her to a rehabilitation clinic several miles from where her mother and five siblings live in the Mayan village of Quajarwalten.

The Guardian

At the time, players were allowed, but not required, to wear helmets, and most players chose to go helmet-less, despite the risk of severe head trauma.

The Economist

Child and adolescent mental health referrals are accepted only if they have severe mental health difficulties; GPs are asked to manage the remaining patients, yet we are not trained in child psychiatry.

The Guardian

Since then we have seen the terror threat level raised to severe and an increase in police arrests linked to terrorist activity in Syria.

The Guardian

He said companies faced severe fines or closure if they failed to comply with new rules on payment of wages, standards of accommodation and other aspects of the employment of migrant workers in the hyper-wealthy Gulf emirate.

The Guardian

They had little else in common over the course of the match with a Hearts side who did them such severe harm as they picked up the trophy they also secured in 2006.

The Guardian - Sport

"At a stroke, this would make the implied cuts for non-protected departments and welfare slightly more plausible (if still very severe), mark an 'end to austerity' by the middle of the parliament and soften (at the margins) the pressure on the Bank to keep monetary policy on the floor".

The Guardian

"Depression is a common mental health problem with a large number of sufferers, of which only the most severe can be supported within this health system".

The Guardian

Gricelda and Domitilia are both malnourished – Domitilia from severe acute malnutrition known as kwashiorkor, and Gricelda from chronic malnutrition.

The Guardian

As the father of two children and a grandfather of four, I can imagine nothing more heartbreaking than having a child with severe cerebral palsy.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing medical conditions, "severe" accurately conveys the intensity of symptoms. For example, "severe pain" indicates a high level of discomfort.

Common error

Avoid using "severe" when a milder term like "serious" or "significant" would suffice. Overusing strong adjectives diminishes their impact.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "severe" primarily functions as a pre-modifier, intensifying the noun it describes. It highlights a high degree of intensity, harshness, or seriousness as shown in the Ludwig examples: "severe weather", "severe pain", "severe consequences". According to Ludwig AI, the word is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe" is an adjective used to describe something intense, harsh, or serious. Ludwig AI indicates that this word is correct. As indicated by the Ludwig examples, it is commonly used in contexts such as News & Media, Sport and Lifestyle, and it’s most effective when highlighting the gravity of a situation. Consider alternatives like "extreme" or "intense" to fine-tune your expression. Overusing "severe" can diminish its impact, therefore employ it judiciously to maximize clarity and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Extreme

Indicates the furthest possible point on a scale, often implying departure from the norm.

Intense

Focuses on the high degree or strength of something, such as emotion or force.

Harsh

Highlights the unpleasant or cruel nature of something, often relating to conditions or treatment.

Critical

Emphasizes the potential for serious and negative outcomes, especially in situations requiring immediate attention.

Grave

Suggests a serious and solemn nature, often associated with significant risks or consequences.

Acute

Refers to conditions or problems that are sharply present and demanding immediate attention.

Stringent

Implies a strict and rigorous enforcement of rules, regulations or policies.

Drastic

Indicates a radical or extreme measure taken to address a difficult situation.

Rigorous

Highlights the thorough and exacting nature of a process, method, or standard.

Serious

Underlines the important or dangerous nature of a situation, issue, or condition.

FAQs

How is "severe" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "severe" is used as an adjective before a noun to describe the intensity or extremity of something. For example, "severe weather", "severe pain", or "severe consequences".

What are some alternatives to using the word "severe"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "extreme", "intense", "harsh", or "serious".

When is it appropriate to use "severe" rather than "serious"?

"Severe" implies a greater degree of intensity or extremity than "serious". Use "severe" when the situation or condition is particularly intense or has potentially devastating consequences. If not so intense and/or devastating, consider "serious".

Is it correct to say "severely severe"?

While grammatically understandable, "severely severe" is redundant. It's best to choose a single strong adjective or rephrase to emphasize the intensity. For example, use "extremely severe" or "exceptionally harsh" or choose one: "severely" or "severe".