severe irony

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe irony" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the irony is particularly strong or intense, often highlighting a stark contrast between expectations and reality. Example: "It was a case of severe irony when the fire station burned down while the firefighters were responding to another emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With the best will in the world, a Western audience could applaud Chiyo's submission to her married protector only with the most severe irony, and Marshall isn't capable of irony or of any other tonal variation on the literal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

To begin at the beginning, and for the benefit of anyone unfamiliar with them, the truth of the Bruce has always come heavily cloaked, nearly to the point of being obscured, in the most severe and cutting irony.

Huffington Post

In the US, we face similar though less severe forms of irony in the distribution of our health workforce...while the need for prevention-oriented primary care clinicians grows in the US, the supply of primary-care graduates from our health professions schools dwindles.

Huffington Post

That would be President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, he with the perpetually creepy smile and a severe case of irony-deficiency anemia.

The New York Times

The irony is, the maggots probably saved him from more severe infection.

The Guardian - Opinion

That the measures were less severe than the ones the government ultimately accepted has, in a further irony, been similarly played down.

The Guardian - Opinion

Instead it should be replaced with a virtual carbon copy (quelle irony) of the DMCA's takedown procedures, but with even more severe punishments for copyright owners who file spurious claims.

TechCrunch

The irony, of course, is that if these rogue deputies inflicted beatings remotely as severe to anyone on the street, they would almost certainly be awarded a jail sentence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Irony, irony, irony.

The Guardian - Film

Irony again.

The New York Times - Magazine

Irony, much?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe irony", ensure the context clearly establishes the contrast or contradiction that makes the situation ironic. The adjective 'severe' amplifies the unexpected or contradictory nature of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "severe irony" when the situation is only mildly ironic or coincidental. The phrase should be reserved for instances where the irony is particularly striking or poignant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe irony" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "severe" modifies the noun "irony", intensifying its meaning. The phrase describes a particular kind of irony that is intense or extreme. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used to describe situations where the ironic element is particularly strong or noticeable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "severe irony" is a grammatically correct and usable term in English, used to describe situations where the irony is particularly intense or striking. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the examples are limited, suggesting that it is a less common phrase, it is important to use it accurately, reserving it for situations where the ironic element is genuinely pronounced. Alternatives such as "profound irony" or "stark irony" can be used to convey similar meanings. When incorporating "severe irony" into your writing, ensure the context clearly establishes the contrast that amplifies the unexpected nature of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound irony

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the irony.

stark irony

Highlights the sharp contrast and unexpectedness of the ironic situation.

bitter irony

Focuses on the painful or unpleasant nature of the irony.

acute irony

Suggests a sharp and intense form of irony.

heavy irony

Indicates a substantial or significant degree of irony.

glaring irony

Highlights how obvious the irony is.

obvious irony

Highlights how clear and self-explanatory the irony is.

cutting irony

Emphasizes the sharp and critical nature of the irony.

extreme irony

Suggests an irony that is exceptional in its magnitude.

harsh irony

Focuses on the unpleasant or cruel nature of the ironic situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "severe irony" in a sentence?

Use "severe irony" to emphasize a stark contrast between expectation and reality, creating a strong sense of incongruity. For example, "It was a case of "severe irony" when the ethical hacker's own system was breached."

What is a suitable alternative to "severe irony"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "profound irony", "stark irony", or "bitter irony" to convey a similar meaning while varying your word choice.

Is there a difference between "severe irony" and "mild irony"?

Yes, "severe irony" implies a significant and impactful contradiction, whereas "mild irony" suggests a more subtle or less consequential discrepancy.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the term "severe irony"?

"Severe irony" is suitable when describing situations with deeply contrasting or unexpected outcomes, often carrying a sense of injustice or misfortune. It is often found in "news & media" and literature to underscore dramatic effect.