strong language

USAGE SUMMARY

"strong language" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe speech or writing that is direct, powerful, and often impolite. For example, "The senator's comments were filled with strong language, prompting a response from the other side of the aisle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A little strong language.

The New York Times

It has strong language.

The New York Times

It includes strong language.

The New York Times

Some strong language.

The New York Times

Strong language and fistfights.

The New York Times

Violence and strong language.

The New York Times

Strong feelings, strong language.

The New York Times

It includes some strong language.

The New York Times

(The video has strong language).

The New York Times

Frequent gunfire and strong language.

The New York Times

Sexual material and strong language.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating the presence of potentially offensive content, use "strong language" as a straightforward warning in descriptions or ratings.

Common error

Avoid using "strong language" in formal writing where a more nuanced or descriptive term might be more appropriate, such as "offensive language" or "explicit content".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong language" functions as a noun phrase typically used to describe the presence of offensive or explicit vocabulary within a particular context. Ludwig's examples show this phrase commonly used in movie ratings and content warnings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strong language" is a commonly used phrase functioning as a noun phrase to denote potentially offensive vocabulary. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it serves to inform or warn audiences about the nature of the content. While the language itself may be considered informal, the phrase "strong language" maintains a neutral register and is a straightforward way to indicate the presence of potentially objectionable content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offensive language

Focuses specifically on the offensive nature of the language.

explicit language

Highlights the explicitness and directness of the language.

vulgar language

Emphasizes the crudeness and lack of refinement in the language.

profane language

Indicates the language is irreverent or blasphemous.

harsh language

Suggests the language is severe or ungentle.

foul language

Highlights the unpleasant and offensive nature of the language.

crude language

Emphasizes the lack of sophistication and refinement.

blunt language

Suggests directness and a lack of tact.

intense language

Focuses on the high emotional charge conveyed.

coarse language

Highlights the roughness and lack of polish.

FAQs

What does "strong language" typically refer to?

"Strong language" generally refers to the use of words or expressions that are considered offensive, vulgar, or otherwise inappropriate in certain contexts. It often includes profanity, explicit terms, and harsh or aggressive language.

How can I indicate the presence of "strong language" in a piece of writing or media?

You can use a disclaimer or warning such as "Contains "offensive language"", "Features "explicit content"", or simply "Strong language is present".

Are there situations where using "strong language" is acceptable?

Whether using "strong language" is acceptable depends heavily on the context, audience, and purpose. It may be appropriate in informal settings, creative works aiming for realism, or when expressing strong emotions, but should be avoided in formal or professional communication unless deliberately used for a specific effect.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "strong language"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like ""offensive language"", "explicit language", "vulgar language", or "profane language".