severer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'severer' is not correct in written English; it should be 'more severe'.
Example sentence: The latest restrictions on businesses are more severe than the ones put in place last month.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Whether Mr Manuel will agree is another matter.Although South Africa's economy has been taking a severer battering than expected, it may still be better placed than many others to weather the storms.

The Economist

George Washington, who had just disbanded his victorious army and retired to Mount Vernon, complained that he was "locked up" there by snow and ice between Christmas Eve and early March, while James Madison wrote from his home in Virginia that "we have had a severer season and particularly a greater quantity of snow than is remembered to have distinguished any preceding winter".

The Economist

In their severer forms, these disorders include the bipolar disorders and major depressive disorder.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And if, as the century progresses, soaring population growth begins to interact with climate change and reinforce the stresses a changing climate may bring, such as agricultural failure, the consequences will be severer still.

Independent

Moreover, a high population density in an agrarian society, dependent upon agriculture for its sustenance, is likely to be a severer constraint upon human welfare than would the same density in a highly industrialized society, in which the bulk of national product is not of agricultural origin.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Jewish philosopher Maimonides, who influenced Aquinas, took a severer line, and argued that it was impossible to know God by assigning Him human attributes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Some officials say it is the most severe it has been in several years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her small, frail frame and severe difficulties breathing have brought her to a rehabilitation clinic several miles from where her mother and five siblings live in the Mayan village of Quajarwalten.

The Guardian

At the time, players were allowed, but not required, to wear helmets, and most players chose to go helmet-less, despite the risk of severe head trauma.

The Economist

Child and adolescent mental health referrals are accepted only if they have severe mental health difficulties; GPs are asked to manage the remaining patients, yet we are not trained in child psychiatry.

The Guardian

Since then we have seen the terror threat level raised to severe and an increase in police arrests linked to terrorist activity in Syria.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "severer" in formal writing. Always opt for "more severe", which is the standard comparative form.

Common error

The comparative form of "severe" is formed using "more" rather than adding "-er". Using "severer" is a common mistake stemming from analogy with other adjectives, but it's grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severer" functions as a comparative adjective, intending to express a greater degree of severity. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this form is grammatically incorrect and not standard English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the word "severer" aims to function as the comparative form of "severe", it is grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI clarifies, the correct form is "more severe". Although there are examples of its usage, primarily in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific texts, it is recommended to avoid "severer" in formal writing. Instead, use "more severe" or other alternatives like "stricter" or "harsher" to ensure grammatical accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more severe

This is the grammatically correct comparative form of the adjective "severe".

stricter

Focuses on adherence to rules or standards with increased rigor.

harsher

Emphasizes a more unpleasant or difficult experience or condition.

more stringent

Highlights increased rigor in rules, regulations or requirements.

more rigorous

Implies a more thorough or demanding approach or process.

more acute

Describes a sharper or more intense sensation or problem.

more critical

Indicates a higher level of importance or urgency.

more intense

Highlights a greater degree of strength or concentration.

more drastic

Suggests a more extreme or radical measure or change.

more extreme

Indicates a greater deviation from the norm or average.

FAQs

What is the correct comparative form of "severe"?

The correct comparative form of "severe" is "more severe". "Severer" is not considered standard English.

Is it ever acceptable to use "severer"?

While you might find instances of "severer" in older texts or non-standard usage, it's generally best to use "more severe" in contemporary English.

What are some alternatives to "severer" or "more severe"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "stricter", "harsher", or "more stringent".

How can I remember to use "more severe" instead of "severer"?

Think of other adjectives that use "more" for their comparative form, such as "more beautiful" or "more difficult". "Severe" follows the same pattern.