severe straits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe straits" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation of extreme difficulty or distress. Example: "After losing his job, he found himself in severe straits." Alternative expressions include "dire circumstances" and "difficult situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But any organization, in however severe straits, can probably boast a few young hotbloods who can establish visionary objectives, but who lack the other qualities of drive and leadership to carry them out.

Harvard Business Review

But Saddam's people are in severe straits, precisely because their demonic dictator uses every cent he can to rebuild his military, to continue covert efforts to develop nukes as well as biological and chemical weapons, and to construct gaudy, Versailles-size palaces for himself.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Our youth is in terrible straits".

The New Yorker

In the United States now, some states, including California, are in severe financial straits.

The New York Times

Nor is there any doubt that New York, battered by recession and the destruction of the World Trade Center, is in severe enough straits to warrant extreme measures.

The New York Times

This is the second year that Marta, which faces a $120 million shortfall in its $400 million operating budget, has been in severe financial straits.

The New York Times

Ms. Hawkins, who said she filed for bankruptcy to protect her ownership of her Virginia home, is not the only parent of a star Olympian  in severe financial straits.

The New York Times

This decision may be evidence of severe financial straits, a strategic business move to finagle a way through a crisis or, most likely, a little of both.

The New York Times - Arts

One in three veterinary students are in severe financial straits, more than half are suffering from stress, and over a fifth say they are depressed, according to a new poll.

The Guardian

By junior year, teenagers think they should be driving themselves and if they don't have their own car by 16, then they think their parents are in severe financial straits (for instance, an annual household income of less than $200,000).

The New York Times

But just a few months after Wilson left Oakland, the perennially troubled district is in such severe financial straits that the Board of Education on Nov. 8 ordered $15.1 million in immediate budget cuts — on top of millions of dollars in reductions made earlier in the year.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "severe straits" to convey a sense of urgency and seriousness when describing a difficult situation. Consider the specific context to ensure the phrase's intensity aligns with the intended message.

Common error

Avoid using "severe straits" when describing minor inconveniences or trivial problems. This phrase is best reserved for situations involving genuine hardship or crisis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe straits" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or object of a preposition. As shown by Ludwig, it describes a state or condition of great difficulty or distress. It's often used to depict financial or economic hardships.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "severe straits" describes a situation of extreme difficulty or distress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage across various contexts, especially in news and media. While the phrase isn't extremely common, it effectively conveys the gravity of challenging circumstances. To enhance your writing, remember to reserve "severe straits" for situations that genuinely warrant its intensity. Consider using alternatives like "dire circumstances" or "difficult situation" for less intense scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dire circumstances

Focuses on the challenging conditions, emphasizing a state of extreme urgency and difficulty.

difficult situation

A more general term indicating trouble or adversity, lacking the intensity of "severe straits".

precarious position

Highlights the instability and potential danger of the situation.

critical condition

Emphasizes the urgency and potential for negative outcomes.

tough spot

An informal way to describe a problematic situation.

in a bind

Implies being stuck or trapped in a difficult predicament.

against the ropes

Suggests being under intense pressure and close to defeat.

on the brink

Indicates nearing a critical or dangerous point.

in deep water

An idiom suggesting being in serious trouble.

facing adversity

A more formal term, highlighting the experience of confronting challenges.

FAQs

How to use "severe straits" in a sentence?

You can use "severe straits" to describe a situation of extreme difficulty or distress. For example: "After the economic downturn, many families found themselves in "severe straits"".

What can I say instead of "severe straits"?

You can use alternatives like "dire circumstances", "difficult situation", or "precarious position" depending on the context.

Is "severe straits" a formal expression?

"Severe straits" is a relatively formal expression, suitable for use in news articles, academic papers, or business reports. Less formal alternatives include "tough spot" or "in deep water".

Which situations are appropriately described as "severe straits"?

"Severe straits" is appropriate for describing situations involving financial hardship, natural disasters, political instability, or personal crises that cause significant distress or difficulty.