severe backlash

USAGE SUMMARY

"severe backlash" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a strong and negative reaction or response to something. Example: The company's decision to lay off employees without any prior notice received severe backlash from both its workers and the public.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

That has caused a severe backlash against vaccination in Pakistan.

The New York Times

But there's also a severe backlash, which seeks to undermine our gains.

The Guardian - Opinion

This approach must change, or there will be a far more severe backlash from consumers.

The Guardian

After she spoke publicly for the first time, Jaha suffered immediate and severe backlash.

The Guardian

There was a severe backlash following Picasso's public unveiling as a communist.

Independent

And the Three Mile Island accident in 1979 in the United States caused a severe backlash there.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Myths depend on balance, on preserving their eternal twoness, and so we have on our hands a sudden and severe Kirkist backlash.

The New Yorker

But they also touched off a severe public backlash that damaged the standing of Mr. Gorbachev and the Communist Party, and he eventually relented.

The New York Times

The trial marks the first time that a large cross-section of the opposition's rank-and-file members are facing such a severe legal backlash.

The Economist

Mr. Hatoyama later promised not to influence the investigation, which political experts say will almost certainly invite a severe public backlash.

The New York Times

François Hollande is facing a severe political backlash in the wake of the Nice attack as rightwing politicians accused him of failing to implement sufficiently effective security and intelligence measures after previous atrocities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severe backlash" to describe significant negative reactions to events, decisions, or policies. Ensure the context clearly establishes the cause of the backlash and its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "severe backlash" for trivial disagreements or mild criticisms. Reserve it for situations where the negative reaction is genuinely intense and widespread.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe backlash" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a strong, negative reaction to a particular event, decision, or policy. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's used to convey the intensity and widespread nature of the negative response.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe backlash" is a noun phrase used to describe a strong, negative reaction. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in news and media contexts. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it should be reserved for situations involving genuinely intense and widespread negative reactions. Related phrases include "strong negative reaction" and "intense public criticism". Avoiding overuse in trivial situations is crucial for maintaining the phrase's impact. The frequency of occurrence is considered common, and authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong negative reaction

Emphasizes the negative response without necessarily implying severity or widespread impact.

powerful adverse reaction

Indicates a strong and unfavorable response to a stimulus, action, or substance.

serious negative fallout

Highlights the adverse results or consequences of an action, focusing on the severity of the impact.

major negative repercussions

Stresses the significant and adverse effects stemming from a particular event or decision.

significant public outcry

Focuses on the expression of strong disapproval or protest from the public.

harsh adverse consequences

Focuses on the negative results or penalties that follow an action, highlighting the severity of the repercussions.

extreme disapproval

Highlights the sentiment of strong disagreement or distaste towards something.

fierce opposition

Highlights the act of resisting or going against something with considerable force or determination.

widespread condemnation

Emphasizes the broad and almost universal disapproval of an action or statement.

intense public criticism

Highlights the disapproving reaction from the general population, focusing on the criticism rather than the broader consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe backlash" to describe a strong negative reaction to a decision or event. For example, "The new policy faced "severe backlash" from employees."

What phrases are similar to "severe backlash"?

Similar phrases include "strong negative reaction", "harsh adverse consequences", and "intense public criticism".

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

Yes, "severe backlash" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant negative reactions in professional or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "severe backlash" and "mild criticism"?

"Severe backlash" implies a strong, widespread negative reaction, while "mild criticism" suggests a less intense and more limited expression of disapproval. Reserve "severe backlash" for significant and impactful situations.