unduly severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unduly severe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a punishment, action, or consequence that is excessively harsh or extreme beyond what is considered reasonable. Example: "The judge deemed the sentence to be unduly severe, considering the circumstances of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But he said he considered the punishment unduly severe.

The New York Times

In 1817 Ferenc Kölcsey, another Hungarian poet of the period, made an unduly severe judgment on Berzsenyi's work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bob DuPuy, the president and chief operating officer of Major League Baseball, said the 10 p.m. start time was "not unduly severe".

The New York Times

Also, in Britain, the United States, and other common-law countries the accused may complain of unjust or unduly severe punishment to the commanding officer's superiors.

Britannica

Ferenc Kölcsey was a deputy in the Hungarian parliament and a brilliant orator; his literary criticism was of a high standard, though unduly severe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Rajaratnam argues for a reduced sentence because the sentencing guidelines overstate the seriousness of insider trading in a way that results in unduly severe recommended sentences.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Nur's lawyers argued that while their client got a sentence that reflected the severity of his crime, section 95 was fundamentally unconstitutional because it could unduly punish those accused of far less severe offences.

Vice

Posen's "unduly influential voices" are my Very Serious People.

The New York Times

This appears laudable, but the focus on severe deprivation seems too extreme and tends also to unduly limit the meaning and contours of poverty.

Child Indicators Research

The theory that on April 10th the pilot felt unduly pressured to get the president to the commemoration of the Katyn massacre, despite severe fog at Smolensk airport, deserves scrutiny.

The Economist

Unduly targeted?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unduly severe" when you want to express that a punishment, action, or consequence is harsher than what is reasonable or justified by the situation. It is appropriate in formal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "unduly severe" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "too harsh" or "really strict" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unduly severe" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the extent or degree of the severity, suggesting it is beyond what is reasonable or justified. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid and used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unduly severe" is a valid and useful expression for describing something that is excessively harsh or extreme. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and applicable in written English. While it's not the most common phrase, it appears frequently in formal contexts like news articles, academic papers, and encyclopedias. When writing, consider alternatives like "excessively harsh" or "disproportionately harsh" to tailor the tone to your audience. Remember to reserve "unduly severe" for situations where you wish to express a measured and critical judgment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively harsh

Replaces "unduly" with "excessively", emphasizing the degree of harshness.

unjustifiably severe

Adds the element of lack of justification to the severity.

disproportionately harsh

Highlights the imbalance between the action and the consequence.

overly strict

Focuses on the rigid and inflexible nature of the severity.

unreasonably strict

Emphasizes the lack of reason behind the strictness.

needlessly harsh

Indicates that the severity is not necessary.

undeservedly harsh

Highlights that the severity is not warranted or merited.

unduly punitive

Focuses on the aspect of punishment being excessive.

unwarrantedly harsh

Similar to unjustifiably harsh, emphasizing the lack of basis for the severity.

gratuitously severe

Implies that the severity is excessive and uncalled for.

FAQs

What does "unduly severe" mean?

"Unduly severe" means excessively harsh or extreme, beyond what is considered reasonable or justifiable in a particular situation.

How can I use "unduly severe" in a sentence?

You can use "unduly severe" to describe a punishment, criticism, or measure that is disproportionately harsh. For example: "Human rights groups criticized the sentence as "unduly severe"."

What are some alternatives to "unduly severe"?

Alternatives include "excessively harsh", "disproportionately harsh", or "unjustifiably severe", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "unduly severe" formal or informal?

"Unduly severe" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for professional, academic, or news-related contexts. Simpler terms are preferable in informal settings.