severe sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to describe a harsh punishment given to someone who has been convicted of a crime. Example: "The judge handed down a severe sentence, reflecting the seriousness of the offense committed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We believe it was an overly severe sentence".

The New York Times

The reviewer stated that the compelling evidence and the findings warrant a more severe sentence.

University of California, Berkeley

A severe sentence is required to punish but, more importantly, to deter".

The Guardian

"Death for thievery is kind of a severe sentence," he said.

The New York Times

The threat of a severe sentence was, in effect, something of a bluff.

The New York Times - Magazine

Defense lawyers said the government is overreaching by requesting a "grotesquely severe" sentence.

The New York Times

Judge Katherine B Forrest insisted a severe sentence was necessary to send a clear signal to others.

The Guardian - Tech

Archives|GIRL SPEEDER HELD 3D TIME IN 8 DAYS; Miss Mendelssohn Threatened by Judge With Severe Sentence Today.

The New York Times

GIRL SPEEDER HELD 3D TIME IN 8 DAYS; Miss Mendelssohn Threatened by Judge With Severe Sentence Today.

The New York Times

Ten factors, including being on public transport or in a gang, will mean a more severe sentence.

The Guardian

The most severe sentence has been handed down to Aliyeh Eghdam Doust, who is serving a three-year prison term.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use "severe sentence" to accurately convey the seriousness and magnitude of the punishment imposed. Ensure the context clearly warrants such a strong descriptor.

Common error

Avoid using "severe sentence" in informal or non-legal contexts where the punishment isn't genuinely harsh or life-altering. Using it inappropriately can sound melodramatic or hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe sentence" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun "sentence". It typically acts as the subject or object of a verb within a clause describing legal outcomes or judgments. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe sentence" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe a harsh legal punishment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its appropriateness hinges on the context. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" and academic settings, conveying the seriousness of the legal consequences. When writing, using alternatives like "harsh penalty" or "stringent sentence" may provide a more nuanced tone. Overall, use "severe sentence" judiciously to accurately portray the weight of a sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

harsh penalty

Changes the term "sentence" to "penalty", offering a slightly broader scope that can include non-legal punishments.

stiff punishment

Replaces "severe" with "stiff" and "sentence" with "punishment", emphasizing the rigor of the consequence.

stringent sentence

Substitutes "severe" with "stringent", highlighting the strictness and rigidity of the sentence.

heavy sentence

Replaces "severe" with "heavy", conveying the substantial impact of the sentence.

draconian penalty

Replaces "severe sentence" with "draconian penalty", suggesting that the punishment is excessively harsh and severe.

extreme punishment

Changes both words to emphasize the extremity and unusual nature of the response.

maximum sentence

Indicates the upper limit of punishment allowed by law, suggesting the highest possible severity.

tough sentence

Uses a more informal term, "tough", to describe the sentence, suggesting difficulty or unpleasantness.

stiff sentence

Emphasizes the rigidity and unyielding nature of the imposed sentence.

significant penalty

Indicates that the penalty is important and noteworthy due to its severity.

FAQs

What is another way to say "severe sentence"?

Alternatives to "severe sentence" include "harsh penalty", "stiff punishment", or "stringent sentence", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "severe sentence"?

Use "severe sentence" when describing a legal punishment that is exceptionally harsh or exceeds typical penalties for similar offenses. This term is most fitting in legal or formal contexts.

What makes a sentence qualify as "severe"?

A sentence is considered "severe" when it involves a lengthy prison term, significant fines, or other life-altering consequences, especially when these are disproportionate to the crime committed.

How does a "severe sentence" differ from a "lenient sentence"?

While a "severe sentence" indicates a harsh punishment, a "lenient sentence" implies a more forgiving or merciful penalty. The choice depends on the circumstances of the crime and the judge's discretion.