unusually fierce

USAGE SUMMARY

"unusually fierce" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is more intense or aggressive than what is typical. An example is: "The storm was unusually fierce for this time of year." Alternative expressions include "exceptionally intense" and "remarkably aggressive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

And it is a regulator that has so far had unusually fierce clashes with Wall Street.

The New York Times

Arkansas Senator Blanche Lincoln, a Democrat, has endured an unusually fierce storm.

The New York Times

This downturn's severity has been unusually fierce, and this spring it cut deeply into Arrow's profitability.

The New York Times

But in the patriotic fervor that followed Sept. 11, the battle here has been unusually fierce.

The New York Times

That touched off an unusually fierce barrage in the European press.

The New York Times

After an unusually fierce floor fight, the amendment failed by just 33 votes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Larry Vannozzi, a meteorologist with the weather service, attributed an unusually high number of "supercells," the fierce storms that spin off tornadoes, to the rare clash of a number of fronts at once.

The New York Times

The people of Israel were fierce in war, but for their day they were unusually considerate of immigrants.

Huffington Post

The impromptu circus festival is the culmination of years of effort spiced by some unusually sharp partisan dialogue in a tightknit community, by bold showmanship, by fierce marketing and even by a dramatic clown defection.

The New York Times

Though unusually comprehensive, the report is unlikely to resolve more than a decade of fierce wrangling about the textbooks — part of a broader debate about Palestinian incitement against Israelis — having set off a political furor even before its publication date.

The New York Times

Adding urgency, the flood arrived unusually late in the year, giving little time to rebuild or relocate before the fierce North Dakota winter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unusually fierce" to describe situations where intensity or aggression is notably higher than typically expected, ensuring the context supports this deviation from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "unusually fierce" in contexts that require a neutral or mild tone. The phrase carries a strong connotation of heightened aggression or intensity, which may be inappropriate for routine descriptions or analyses.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusually fierce" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. "Unusually" amplifies the degree of "fierce", indicating a level of intensity beyond the ordinary. This is supported by Ludwig examples describing unusually intense storms or debates.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unusually fierce" functions as an intensifier, primarily used to emphasize the exceptional intensity or aggression of something beyond the norm. It's grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is neutral in register. When using "unusually fierce", ensure the situation warrants the strong connotation of heightened intensity, avoiding overuse in neutral contexts. Related phrases include "exceptionally intense" and "remarkably aggressive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally intense

Replaces "unusually" with "exceptionally", focusing on the degree of intensity.

strikingly intense

Emphasizes that the intensity is remarkable and stands out.

remarkably aggressive

Substitutes "fierce" with "aggressive", highlighting the forceful nature.

unusually vehement

Replaces "fierce" with "vehement", intensifying the emphasis on the forcefulness.

particularly violent

Emphasizes the violent aspect of the situation, rather than just intensity.

intensely severe

Combines intensity and severity, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

noticeably ferocious

Highlights that the ferocity is easily noticed or apparent.

extraordinarily vehement

Uses "vehement" to stress the passionate and forceful nature of the action or event.

uncommonly brutal

Replaces "fierce" with "brutal", highlighting the harsh and merciless nature.

surprisingly strong

Highlights the unexpected strength or intensity.

FAQs

How can I use "unusually fierce" in a sentence?

You can use "unusually fierce" to describe things like competition, storms, or debates. For example, "The competition was "unusually fierce" this year" or "The storm was "unusually fierce" for this time of year".

What's a synonym for "unusually fierce"?

Alternatives to "unusually fierce" include "exceptionally intense", "remarkably aggressive", or "particularly violent", depending on the specific context.

Is it okay to use "unusually fierce" in formal writing?

Yes, "unusually fierce" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news or analytical contexts where you need to convey a higher level of intensity or aggression. However, consider your audience and ensure the tone fits the piece.

What's the difference between "unusually fierce" and "fierce"?

"Fierce" describes something intense or aggressive. Adding "unusually" emphasizes that the intensity is higher than what is typically expected or observed. Therefore, "unusually fierce" highlights a notable deviation from the norm.