severe intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe intelligence" is grammatically correct but may not be commonly used in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing high levels of intelligence that are perceived as intense or extreme, possibly in a negative connotation. Example: "The scientist's severe intelligence often intimidated his colleagues, making collaboration difficult."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Women who were not able to fill out the personality inventories due to language problems, severe intelligence defects or mental illness were not included in the examination.

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Perfection would be to live in a cabin with foldaway this and concealed that; everything disciplined by severe conceptual intelligence and an economy of means in the execution.

Independent

"There's a severe failure of intelligence about society and about social tensions," Mr. Tanner said.

The New York Times

THIS newspaper was established in 1843 to take part in "a severe contest between intelligence, which presses forward, and an unworthy, timid ignorance obstructing our progress".

The Economist

Prime Minister David Cameron's office says the national threat level remains at "severe," which means intelligence officials believe an attack is highly likely.

Los Angeles Times

In other words, the medium-As group would have even lower IQ scores if exposure to higher concentrations led to severe impairment of intelligence, but it did not.

Environmental Health Perspectives

It quickly emerged that there had been a severe failure by British intelligence: early that year Col Gadafy had been gripped by a paranoid fear for his survival and ordered his revolutionary committees to eliminate his enemies - "stray dogs".

The Guardian

"My mum was put under severe pressure by the intelligence services," Ms Soltani told the BBC.

BBC

It can range from minimal clinical signs with normal intelligence, to severe phenotypical and neurological defects [ 8, 9].

BMC Medical Genomics

A wide array of fetal disorders can be induced by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, from subtle changes in intelligence to severe mental retardation and physical disability [ 1].

BioMed Research International

The intellectual levels of the children in the clinical sample ranged from normal intelligence to severe mental retardation based on cognitive testing carried out at clinics [various versions of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale and the Revised Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development 13] or educational/administrative records.

Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "profound intellect" or "remarkable cognitive ability" to avoid potential negative connotations associated with "severe".

Common error

Avoid using "severe intelligence" in casual or general descriptions of intelligence. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the level of intelligence is particularly noteworthy or has a significant impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe intelligence" functions as a descriptor, combining an adjective ("severe") with a noun ("intelligence") to modify and intensify the quality being described. This suggests an extreme or notable degree of intellectual capacity. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "severe intelligence" is a grammatically correct but infrequently used phrase that emphasizes a notably high and impactful level of intellect. Ludwig AI suggests that while grammatically sound, the phrase is not commonly used. It is most appropriate in contexts where the intensity or consequences of someone's intelligence are significant. While synonyms such as "exceptional intellect" and "profound understanding" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, consider its potential to imply an overwhelming or intimidating level of intelligence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptional intellect

Replaces "intelligence" with "intellect", suggesting a more innate, profound mental capacity.

remarkable cognitive ability

Focuses on the cognitive aspect of intelligence, emphasizing ability rather than inherent quality.

formidable intellect

Suggests intelligence that is powerful and potentially intimidating.

intense intellectual capacity

Focuses on the capacity for intellectual activity, suggesting depth and vigor.

profound understanding

Highlights deep comprehension as a manifestation of intelligence.

astute mind

Emphasizes sharpness and quickness of understanding.

extraordinary mental acuity

Emphasizes the sharpness and clarity of the mind.

high level of cognition

A more formal and scientific alternative, focusing on cognitive processes.

acute reasoning skills

Highlights the ability to think logically and draw correct inferences.

towering genius

Implies an exceptionally high level of creative or intellectual power.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe intelligence" to describe a level of intellect that is notably high and impactful, such as, "The project required a candidate with "severe intelligence" to navigate complex challenges effectively."

What are some alternatives to "severe intelligence"?

Alternatives include phrases like "exceptional intellect", "profound understanding", or "remarkable cognitive ability", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

Is "severe intelligence" always a positive attribute?

While high intelligence is generally positive, using the term "severe" can imply that the intelligence is so intense it might be overwhelming or intimidating. Consider the context carefully.

How does "severe intelligence" differ from "high intelligence"?

"High intelligence" is a general descriptor. "Severe intelligence" implies a level of intensity or impact beyond the norm, suggesting the intelligence is particularly noteworthy or consequential.