severe charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a serious accusation or a significant burden is being discussed. Example: "The defendant faced a severe charge that could result in a lengthy prison sentence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

If convicted of the most severe charge, Mr. Donovan said, he could be sentenced to 25 years in prison.

The New York Times

Not long afterwards, a more severe charge was indeed imposed, ramping up the misery for all concerned.

The Guardian

In the next trial that starts on 6 June, Goodson, the driver of the van, faces the much more severe charge of second-degree depraved-heart murder.

The Guardian

On the similar, but less severe, charge of false imprisonment, the jury could not reach a decision, and Judge Baxter declared a mistrial.

The New York Times

Sidorkina said even if the accused were guilty of starting a fire at the offices of the United Russia political party in Simferopol, as the prosecution alleges, it should be a much less severe charge of arson, not terrorism.

The Guardian

The driver of the police van, officer Caesar Goodson Jr, who is African American, faces the most severe charge of second-degree murder.. Officer William Porter and sergeant Alicia D White were charged with manslaughter, assault and misconduct.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"They were hoping for more severe charges".

The New York Times

Many Spaniards were shocked that the focal suspects were not convicted of the most severe charges.

The New York Times

Lawyers said such evidence could have undermined the prosecution's case in the most severe charges.

The New York Times

But the most severe charges relate to activities involving Syria, a country with which Washington maintains normal relations.

The New York Times

Mr. Benkler has written opinion articles criticizing the severe charges leveled against Private Manning as a threat to investigative journalism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe charge", ensure the context clearly indicates the seriousness of the accusation. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the potential consequences or the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "severe charge" in everyday conversation or informal writing. It's best reserved for formal contexts where the seriousness of the accusation needs to be emphasized.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe charge" typically functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in legal and formal contexts to denote a serious accusation with significant potential consequences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "severe charge" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a serious accusation with significant potential consequences. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media, reflecting its use in describing legal and ethical breaches. When employing "severe charge", it's essential to consider the context and ensure that the gravity of the accusation is clearly conveyed. Alternatives like "serious accusation" or "grave indictment" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to emphasize. Remember to reserve "severe charge" for formal contexts to maintain its impact and avoid overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious accusation

Emphasizes the gravity of the accusation itself, rather than the formal charge.

grave indictment

Highlights the formal nature and seriousness of the legal accusation.

harsh allegation

Focuses on the potentially unfair or excessive nature of the accusation.

major count

Refers to a significant charge within a larger set of accusations.

heavy penalty

Shifts the focus from the accusation to the potential consequences.

stiff sentence

Highlights the severity of the punishment that may result from the charge.

extreme accusation

Implies the accusation is beyond normal or reasonable.

stringent accusation

Suggests strict or rigorous standards are being applied in the accusation.

drastic indictment

Indicates the indictment is a radical or forceful measure.

violent accusation

Focuses on the damaging nature of the accusation and it's effects.

FAQs

How to use "severe charge" in a sentence?

You can use "severe charge" to describe a serious accusation in a legal or formal context. For example, "The defendant faced a severe charge of fraud, which could result in a lengthy prison sentence."

What can I say instead of "severe charge"?

You can use alternatives like "serious accusation", "grave indictment", or "harsh allegation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "severe charge" or "serious charge"?

Both "severe charge" and "serious charge" are correct, but "severe charge" emphasizes the gravity and potential consequences of the accusation, while "serious charge" simply highlights the significance of the accusation.

What's the difference between "severe charge" and "extreme charge"?

"Severe charge" implies a high degree of seriousness and potential consequences, while "extreme charge" suggests that the accusation is beyond normal or reasonable. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.