stern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious, strict, or severe demeanor or attitude, often in relation to authority figures or situations requiring discipline. Example: "The teacher's stern expression made it clear that she was not pleased with the students' behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

McLean's teams were always made of stern stuff, however.

The Guardian - Sport

Two reassuringly stern yet affable psychiatrists in suits – Dr Florian Ruths and Dr Stirling Moorey – faced 20 or so of us, and guided us through a series of exercises.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Stern review provided cogent reasons for why private R&D will never provide a large share of the many billions needed around the world to shift energy use away from fossil fuels.

The Guardian

He mimics her looking at him from above her glasses like a stern headmistress: "What is your problem?

The Guardian

Salford, however, is made of stern stuff and commitment.

The Guardian

The hearing was then moved into a larger venue, where court police kept a close eye on journalists trying to use their mobile phones – which is against the rules – and issued stern threats that they would be confiscated.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It wasn't a perfect itinerary, by any means – in my experience what parents of three-month-old-babies want more than anything is to walk into a padded room and let a stern-faced stranger shoot them in the back of the neck with a tranquilliser dart – but it was a start.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All are yellow with fenugreek, dotted with whole spices, and, except for some stern-fibred cauliflower, limp as overcooked noodles.

The Economist

In his excellent new book "Winning Investors Over", Baruch Lev of New York University's Stern School of Business writes that in this new world "the lonely CEO now often faces a 'team of rivals', sometimes adversaries".A proposal for modestyAll this is affecting bosses' behaviour.

The Economist

"Analysing trends in the key emitting sectors, we conclude that China's greenhouse gas emissions are unlikely to peak as late as 2030, the upper limit set by President Xi Jinping in November 2014, and are much more likely to peak by 2025," said the paper, co-authored by climate economist Nicholas Stern and analyst Fergus Green.

The Guardian

On the panel was Nick Stern, influential economist and president of the British Academy; Meryam Omi, Legal & General investment management; Steve Howard, head of sustainability at Ikea; Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity; Lisa Ashford, CEO of Ethex; and David Blood, co-founder of Generation Investment Management.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "stern" in different cultural contexts, as interpretations of seriousness can vary.

Common error

Avoid using "stern" in casual conversation or lighthearted writing, as it can sound overly formal or severe. Opt for words like "serious" or "firm" in more relaxed settings.

Linguistic Context

The word "stern" functions primarily as an adjective, describing a noun with qualities of seriousness, strictness, or severity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It can also function as a noun, referring to the rear part of a ship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "stern" is a versatile term functioning as both an adjective and a noun, predominantly used to convey seriousness, strictness, or the rear part of a ship. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It finds frequent application in News & Media, Formal & Business contexts. When aiming for alternative expressions, options such as "severe", "strict", and "austere" can be employed, depending on the desired nuance. While "stern" is widely accepted, it is best used in contexts aligning with its connotation of gravity and authority, avoiding overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe

Emphasizes the strictness or harshness of something or someone, similar to "stern" but potentially more intense.

strict

Focuses on adherence to rules or principles, closely related to the disciplinary aspect of "stern".

austere

Highlights a lack of ornamentation or leniency, echoing the unyielding nature of "stern".

forbidding

Emphasizes the intimidating or unapproachable quality of someone or something, akin to a "stern" demeanor.

inflexible

Underscores the rigidity and unwillingness to compromise, similar to the resolute nature of "stern".

unyielding

Stresses the firmness and resistance to pressure or change, paralleling the steadfastness of "stern".

grim

Highlights the somber or serious nature, reflecting the severe aspect of "stern".

rigorous

Focuses on thoroughness and exacting standards, resembling the demanding side of "stern".

uncompromising

Emphasizes the refusal to make concessions or exceptions, mirroring the firm stance of "stern".

resolute

Highlights the determination and unwavering commitment, aligning with the firm will conveyed by "stern".

FAQs

How can I use "stern" in a sentence?

You can use "stern" to describe a person's demeanor, such as "The teacher had a stern look on her face", or to describe a situation, such as "The company took a stern approach to the issue".

What words can I use instead of "stern"?

Alternatives to "stern" include "severe", "strict", or "austere" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say someone is "stern" or "severely"?

While "stern" is an adjective describing a quality, "severely" is an adverb. You would say someone is "stern", but you might say they acted "severely".

What is the difference between "stern" and "firm"?

"Stern" implies a stricter, more serious demeanor, while "firm" suggests resoluteness and steadiness. "Stern" may convey a sense of disapproval, whereas "firm" is more neutral.