Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
stricter
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The word 'stricter' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a set of rules that are more exacting than before. Example: The new safety regulations are much stricter than before.
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
The third issue the EFF is concerned with is that of intermediary liability, which burdens ISPs and websites with stricter copyright infringement laws in a way that is veiled censorship, cautions Sutton.
News & Media
Buyers and sellers seemed to be reacting to the Bank of England's stricter lending rules for banks, which were designed to cool the market.
News & Media
Making it harder for sick people to claim state aid when they are out of work by introducing "stricter" fit-for-work tests and/or tighter limits on eligibility.
News & Media
He said as recently as last week that he would support a pathway to citizenship only in tandem with stricter immigration enforcement measures.
News & Media
And for migrants from outside the EEA, we want to introduce stricter charging… …or a requirement for private health insurance to cover the costs of NHS care.
News & Media
But last month, it called for a review of the changes as it published a report on how stricter visa rules in Australia and the United States have brought significant drops in international student intakes.
News & Media
The separate BBC management-commissioned report by KMPG into severance payments proposed a number of new measures to introduce stricter oversight.
News & Media
The stricter the site's rules became, the more people showed up.
News & Media
Labour will champion a goal of zero net global emissions in the second half of this century and push for stricter targets in Europe than the current goal of a 40% cut by 2030, she said.
News & Media
In recent months, however, it has imposed stricter controls and criminalised fighting abroad while announcing scores of arrests.
News & Media
That filter also screens out tweets automatically deemed to be abusive, but is far stricter about what makes it through the net than the new one.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "stricter", ensure the context clearly identifies what is becoming more strictly enforced, providing a specific point of reference for the increased rigor.
Common error
Avoid using "stricter" without specifying what the rules are stricter than. Always provide a clear comparison point to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.7/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "stricter" is as a comparative adjective. It modifies a noun, indicating a higher degree of severity or enforcement relative to something else. As confirmed by Ludwig, it follows standard grammatical rules.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Formal & Business
20%
Science
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
3%
Wiki
2%
Reference
5%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The adjective "stricter" functions as a comparative, indicating a higher degree of enforcement or severity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. With primary contexts in News & Media and Formal & Business, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for a broad range of writing styles. When using "stricter", ensure a clear point of comparison to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "more stringent" and "more rigorous" can add nuance depending on the intended emphasis. Be aware of the redundancy of using "more stricter" and avoid it in your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
more stringent
Emphasizes a more rigorous and demanding quality.
more rigorous
Highlights thoroughness and exactness in application.
more severe
Focuses on the intensity and harshness of the measure.
more demanding
Stresses the higher expectations and requirements.
more exacting
Suggests a higher level of precision and detail required.
more inflexible
Highlights a lack of adaptability or leniency.
more rigid
Implies a firm and unyielding adherence to rules.
tighter
Describes a closer and more controlled regulation.
more firm
Highlights a strong and resolute application.
more regulated
Indicates increased control through rules and laws.
FAQs
How can I use "stricter" in a sentence?
"Stricter" is used to indicate a higher degree of enforcement or severity. For example, "The new regulations are "stricter" than the previous ones."
What's a good alternative to "stricter"?
Alternatives include "more stringent", "more rigorous", or "more severe" depending on the specific context.
Is it correct to say "more stricter"?
No, "more stricter" is redundant. "Stricter" is already a comparative adjective, so using "more" is unnecessary. The correct form is simply "stricter".
What is the difference between "stricter" and "more controlled"?
"Stricter" implies a higher level of enforcement of rules or regulations, while "more controlled" suggests a greater degree of management or supervision. They are similar but not always interchangeable. "Stricter" emphasizes the rules themselves, whereas "more controlled" focuses on the management of a situation.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
93%
Authority and reliability
4.7/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested