"stern measures" is a correct phrase that can be used in written English.
Example: The government imposed stern measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Stern measures were meted out to soldiers suspected of sexual violence".
On Monday, he ordered Security Minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to use "stern measures" to enforce law and order.
We will take swift and stern measures to protect the lives and safety of our citizens," Park told reporters Friday.
Earlier today, Mr. Wahid ordered his security minister to take "stern measures" to enforce law and order.
Although he said little in debate, no one did more outside the hall to insist on stern measures.
They see opposition to stern measures as the last gasp of failing "Asian style" capitalism that produced rapid growth by wastefully mobilizing domestic savings.
The two made an odd pair, with Chichakli the voluble prankster to Bout's more stern, measured presence.
Seated a desk in his military uniform, with portraits of 19th-century Cuban independence heroes as the backdrop, the 83-year-old Castro read a 10-minute written statement in a stern, measured tone.
Sterner measures are appropriate.
That will require sterner measures against corruption and a radical simplification of business licensing rules.
Likewise, the government should take sterner measures against the persistent jobless.
