take drastic action

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take drastic action" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to suggest that a rapid or far-reaching solution is necessary to solve a difficult problem or situation. Example: The government must take drastic action to reduce air pollution in our cities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We must take drastic action immediately!

The New York Times

I was forced to take drastic action.

The New York Times - Magazine

Changing the situation will take drastic action.

The New York Times

My other choice was to take drastic action.

The New York Times - Tech

Some of the most afflicted take drastic action.

The New Yorker

Nonetheless, the pressure to take drastic action is building.

The Guardian - Business

But he would have been eating alone if he didn't take drastic action.

Independent

If OPEC is to buoy prices, "it should take drastic action to reduce production," he added.

The New York Times

Scientists charged with protecting the islands' birds decided to take drastic action.

The Guardian

As for those found guilty of abuses, he said, "we will take drastic action against them".

The New York Times

The time has come to take drastic action about the cocktail party.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "take drastic action" when you want to emphasize the need for immediate and impactful measures to address a serious problem. It conveys a sense of urgency and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "take drastic action" in contexts that do not warrant serious or urgent measures. Using it too casually can dilute its impact and make your writing sound overdramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take drastic action" functions as a verb phrase, where "take" is the verb and "drastic action" is the noun phrase acting as the object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take drastic action" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression, meaning to implement extreme or far-reaching measures to address a serious situation. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a common phrase, particularly in news and media, business, and scientific contexts. While effective for conveying urgency and determination, overuse in casual situations should be avoided. Alternatives like "implement radical measures" or "adopt extreme measures" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement radical measures

Replaces "drastic action" with a more formal term, emphasizing the fundamental nature of the changes.

adopt extreme measures

Emphasizes the severity of the actions taken.

initiate decisive steps

Focuses on the importance of making a firm decision and acting upon it.

undertake vigorous efforts

Highlights the energy and intensity behind the actions.

enact stringent regulations

Implies the implementation of strict rules and policies.

apply severe sanctions

Focuses on the imposition of penalties or restrictions.

resort to extraordinary means

Suggests that the situation requires unusual or exceptional solutions.

move to take extraordinary steps

It’s more descriptive, expanding on the simple verb "take" with the action "move to take".

introduce game-changing policies

Emphasizes that the introduced action is designed to dramatically alter the current situation.

make critical interventions

Highlights that the action is a necessary intervention at a crucial moment.

FAQs

How can I use "take drastic action" in a sentence?

You can use "take drastic action" to indicate that significant and impactful steps are needed to address a serious problem. For example, "The company had to take drastic action to avoid bankruptcy."

What does "take drastic action" mean?

The phrase "take drastic action" means to implement extreme or far-reaching measures, usually in response to a critical or urgent situation.

What are some alternatives to "take drastic action"?

Some alternatives include "implement radical measures", "adopt extreme measures", or "initiate decisive steps". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "take drastic action"?

It is appropriate to use "take drastic action" when facing a severe problem that requires immediate and significant intervention. It suggests that less forceful approaches are insufficient.