take drastic measures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take drastic measures" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need for significant or severe actions in response to a situation or problem. Example: "In light of the recent financial crisis, the company had to take drastic measures to cut costs and ensure its survival."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Others take drastic measures.

The Guardian

"We are prepared to take drastic measures.

The Guardian - Sport

Coleman decided to take drastic measures.

The Guardian

Others might need to take drastic measures.

The Washington Post

"We must take drastic measures to improve this situation".

The New York Times

That could mean that they exit (the euro) or that they take drastic measures.

The Guardian - Business

This could force Beijing to take drastic measures and lead to war.

The New York Times

Bolivian president Evo Morales pledged to take "drastic measures" to determine what caused the crash.

The Guardian

"The ongoing situation is drastic, and we need to take drastic measures," the plea continued.

The New York Times - Magazine

Professional athletes will take drastic measures to improve their performance on the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Always ensure that your friend is purposefully copying you before you take drastic measure that may jeopardize your friendship.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "take drastic measures", ensure that the severity of the actions aligns with the gravity of the situation. Overusing it can diminish its impact; reserve it for truly critical scenarios.

Common error

Avoid using "take drastic measures" when simpler solutions are available. Misapplying this phrase can create unnecessary alarm and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take drastic measures" functions as a verb phrase indicating the initiation of significant actions in response to a challenging situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable expression. Its function within a sentence is to highlight the severity of the actions taken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take drastic measures" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe serious actions taken in response to a pressing issue. Ludwig confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is most commonly found in news and media, formal business settings, and on wikis, emphasizing its neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the actions align with the gravity of the situation to avoid overstatement. Alternatives like "implement drastic steps" or "adopt extreme actions" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

implement drastic steps

Replaces "measures" with "steps", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning.

adopt extreme actions

Substitutes "take" with "adopt" and "drastic measures" with "extreme actions", increasing the intensity.

resort to desperate solutions

Implies a sense of urgency and the lack of other options, making the situation seem more critical.

undertake radical initiatives

Suggests a fundamental change in approach, focusing on innovation and departure from conventional methods.

employ severe strategies

Conveys a sense of seriousness and control, highlighting the calculated nature of the actions.

enforce stringent policies

Focuses on the establishment and implementation of strict regulations, implying a top-down approach.

initiate sweeping changes

Emphasizes the broad scope and transformative nature of the actions taken.

apply rigorous methods

Highlights the thoroughness and precision of the applied techniques, suggesting a scientific or systematic approach.

exercise decisive interventions

Implies a direct and impactful involvement, suggesting a strong and immediate effect.

institute transformative reforms

Focuses on long-term improvements and the establishment of new systems or structures.

FAQs

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

The phrase "take drastic measures" is used to describe serious actions taken to solve a problem. Example: "The company had to take drastic measures to avoid bankruptcy."

What are some alternatives to "take drastic measures"?

Alternatives include "adopt extreme actions", "resort to desperate solutions", or "implement drastic steps", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take drastic measures"?

It's appropriate when facing a severe problem that requires serious and immediate action. Avoid using it for minor issues, as it can sound exaggerated.

What is the difference between "take drastic measures" and "take preventative measures"?

"Take drastic measures" implies addressing an existing crisis, while "take preventative measures" means acting to prevent a problem from occurring in the first place.