Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
severe experience
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "severe experience" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a difficult or negative event or circumstance in which someone may have endured. Example: She went through a severe experience when she was ill and had to stay in the hospital for several weeks.
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(18)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
The Anaheim franchise had not reached the postseason since 1986, and the players must overcome a severe experience gap with the Yankees.
News & Media
The findings suggest that married women in certain populations may experience more frequent or more severe experience of violence than unmarried women.
As severe experience has taught, projects work only if beneficiaries feel concerned and have ownership of their proposed intervention.
Formal & Business
In order to study women with a really severe experience of childbirth, it will be necessary to use a higher cut-off point.
Science
The women with a self-reported moderate or severe experience of abuse scored highly on the suffering scale (8 and 9, respectively).
Science
While men among SLE patients often face a more severe experience [ 28] and genetic background influence more profound in men than women in the development of SLE [ 29].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
Of that number, 18 percent have endured what the Center calls "more severe experiences," including prolonged harassment, physical threats, stalking, and sexual harassment.
News & Media
Conclusion: Children with severe TBI experience more and persisting difficulties with upper-limb function.
High caries rate and severe caries experience were reported among Dai preschool children [ 15].
Science
For example, do people with more severe symptoms experience more discrimination than those less impaired?
Science
Two thirds of those with severe PD experience instability while turning during an everyday task [ 45].
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Combine "severe experience" with descriptive adjectives to provide more nuance and detail, for example, "severe emotional experience", "severe physical experience".
Common error
Avoid using "severe experience" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday challenges. The term implies a significant degree of difficulty or negativity, and its overuse can diminish its impact when describing truly serious situations.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "severe experience" functions as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun "experience". It describes an instance or event characterized by a high degree of intensity, difficulty, or negativity. According to Ludwig, this phrase accurately conveys a significant hardship or challenge.
Frequent in
Science
43%
News & Media
39%
Formal & Business
6%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Wiki
5%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "severe experience" is grammatically correct and suitable for describing events characterized by a high degree of intensity, difficulty, or negativity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. While versatile, it's important to reserve its use for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor. Predominantly found in scientific and news media contexts, “severe experience” effectively communicates significant hardship or challenge. Remember to be mindful of overusing the phrase in mild contexts, preserving its impact for truly serious situations.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
traumatic ordeal
Emphasizes the emotionally damaging aspect of the experience, focusing on its lasting psychological impact.
difficult trial
Highlights the challenging and testing nature of the experience, framing it as a test of resilience.
harrowing episode
Focuses on the distress and suffering caused by the event, suggesting a deeply disturbing experience.
painful episode
Directly addresses the emotional or physical pain associated with the experience.
grave situation
Shifts the focus to the seriousness and potential danger of the circumstances, rather than the experience itself.
arduous undertaking
Implies a demanding and laborious task or endeavor, emphasizing the effort required to overcome it.
trying circumstance
Highlights the challenging and stressful nature of the situation, focusing on the difficulties it presents.
critical incident
Emphasizes the importance and potential for significant consequences arising from the event.
challenging situation
Offers a more general description of a difficult circumstance, without necessarily implying severity.
adverse event
Presents a formal and neutral description of an unfavorable occurrence, commonly used in scientific or medical contexts.
FAQs
How can I use "severe experience" in a sentence?
You can use "severe experience" to describe a particularly difficult or negative event. For example: "She went through a "severe experience" during the recession and lost her home".
What's the difference between "severe experience" and "traumatic experience"?
"Severe experience" indicates a high degree of difficulty or negativity, while "traumatic experience" specifically refers to an event that causes significant psychological distress and lasting emotional damage.
What are some alternatives to "severe experience"?
Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "difficult trial", "harrowing episode", or "painful episode".
Is "severe experience" formal or informal language?
"Severe experience" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and purpose of your writing or speech.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested