severe indictment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe indictment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or harsh criticism of someone or something, often in a legal or moral context. Example: "The report served as a severe indictment of the government's handling of the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

That's a severe indictment of our health care system.

The New York Times

In leaving nothing to the imagination, it delivers not a tolerant portrait but a severe indictment of the Duke and his would-be killers.

The New York Times - Arts

Liam Fox, the shadow defence secretary, said: "The committee's report is a severe indictment of the government's handling of the situation in Afghanistan".

The Guardian

Bass draws up a severe indictment of Nixon and Kissinger, holding them responsible for "significant complicity in the slaughter of the Bengalis".

The New Yorker

It includes big business, and the failure of the press to see the mortgage/financial bubble for what it was is a severe indictment.

The New York Times

But their conclusion after five weeks of evidence could not have contained a more severe indictment: Tomlinson, a vulnerable father of nine, was unlawfully killed by a police officer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

At the same time, the Justice Department has the duty to indict a corporation if the evidence dictates such severe action — and an indictment is often a death sentence for a corporation.

The New York Times

Andersen, the accounting firm, went under because of its failed audits of Enron, and it probably would have done so even without the indictment, so severe was the hit to its reputation.

The New York Times

Puerto Rican Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi, the island's lone, non-voting member of Congress, called the grant restrictions "a severe, shocking and shameful indictment of the Garcia Padilla administration's ability to properly manage federal funds," in a statement emailed to HuffPost.

Huffington Post

The 2006 indictment was a severe blow to Milberg Weiss, a firm that once dominated securities class-action lawsuits and whose name alone could send shudders down the spines of corporate leaders.

The New York Times

But if the bank ignores the indictment, UBS could face severe consequences – perhaps an indictment against the institution or a threat to its US banking licence.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe indictment", ensure the context supports the weight of the phrase. It's most effective when describing deeply flawed systems, actions, or behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "severe indictment" to describe trivial issues. This diminishes its impact and can make your writing seem hyperbolic or overdramatic. Opt for milder terms like "criticism" or "disapproval" in less critical contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe indictment" functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a report, conclusion, or action that reveals serious flaws or wrongdoing. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in the context of government handling of situations, failures within systems, and ethical breaches.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe indictment" is a phrase used to express a strong condemnation or criticism, typically of serious flaws or wrongdoings. Ludwig's analysis, based on a review of many examples, confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in formal writing. While its frequency is relatively uncommon, it appears most often in news and media contexts. It's essential to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant strong disapproval to avoid diluting its impact. Ludwig examples can guide appropriate usage. Keep in mind that many alternatives are available to fine-tune your message to the specifics of your context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh accusation

Replaces "indictment" with "accusation", focusing on the act of accusing rather than the formal legal process.

strong condemnation

Shifts the focus from legal action to moral disapproval, using stronger language.

damning criticism

Emphasizes the damaging nature of the criticism, suggesting it is highly impactful.

scathing rebuke

Implies a sharp and forceful expression of disapproval, often from a position of authority.

bitter denunciation

Highlights the emotional intensity and public nature of the disapproval.

formal censure

Replaces "severe" and "indictment" to indicate an official expression of disapproval or blame.

vehement disapproval

Focuses on the strength and intensity of the negative sentiment.

sharp reprimand

Indicates a formal and authoritative expression of disapproval, typically for a specific action.

critical assessment

Offers a more neutral alternative, focusing on evaluation rather than outright condemnation.

unfavorable judgment

Replaces "severe" and "indictment" with a milder form of expression, indicating a negative evaluation.

FAQs

How to use "severe indictment" in a sentence?

Use "severe indictment" to express strong disapproval or condemnation, often of a system, policy, or action. For instance, "The report served as a "severe indictment" of the company's environmental practices."

What can I say instead of "severe indictment"?

You can use alternatives like "harsh accusation", "strong condemnation", or "damning criticism" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "severe indictment"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey a strong sense of disapproval or condemnation, particularly in formal or serious contexts. It suggests that something is deeply flawed and deserving of strong censure. Consider alternatives when the situation is less critical.

What distinguishes "severe indictment" from a simple "criticism"?

"Severe indictment" carries a much stronger weight than simple "criticism". It implies a profound and serious fault, often with ethical or legal implications, whereas "criticism" can be a more general expression of disapproval.