very harsh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very harsh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely severe or unkind, often in reference to criticism, treatment, or conditions. Example: "The teacher's feedback was very harsh, leaving the student feeling discouraged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nature's very harsh.

The New York Times - Magazine

Very harsh pajamas.

The New Yorker

"It's very, very harsh".

The New York Times

"It's very harsh," said Mattes.

The Washington Post

And very harsh on moi.

The Telegraph

"I will be very harsh.

The Guardian - Sport

She said: "The weather was very harsh.

Independent

Some very harsh I must say.

Independent

It was a very harsh red card.

Independent

Living like this is very harsh.

The Guardian

This is the very harsh reality.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very harsh", consider whether a more specific adjective might better convey the intended meaning. For instance, instead of "very harsh criticism", consider "scathing criticism" or "bitter criticism".

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "very" as an intensifier. While grammatically correct, overuse can weaken your writing. Explore stronger adjectives to replace "very harsh" for greater impact and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very harsh" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "harsh". It describes a noun by attributing to it a quality of extreme severity or unpleasantness. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and widespread.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very harsh" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to emphasize the severity or unpleasantness of something. As noted by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the meaning of "harsh". While versatile, consider using more specific adjectives for enhanced precision and impact in your writing. Common alternatives include "extremely severe" and "exceptionally cruel". Be mindful of overusing "very" and explore stronger adjectives for a more compelling style. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, maintaining a generally neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely severe

Emphasizes the intensity and rigor of the situation or treatment.

exceptionally cruel

Highlights the element of intentional unkindness or brutality.

particularly stringent

Focuses on the strictness and demanding nature of rules or regulations.

remarkably tough

Indicates resilience is needed to withstand difficult conditions.

unusually bitter

Suggests a deeply unpleasant or resentful experience.

decidedly callous

Implies a lack of empathy or sensitivity towards others.

terribly rigorous

Stresses the exacting and demanding nature of a process or standard.

uncommonly brutal

Emphasizes the violent and merciless aspect of an action or situation.

intensely grim

Conveys a sense of bleakness and hopelessness.

strikingly austere

Highlights the stark and unadorned nature of something, often implying deprivation.

FAQs

How can I use "very harsh" in a sentence?

You can use "very harsh" to describe something severe, unkind, or difficult. For example, "The weather conditions were "very harsh" during the expedition" or "The criticism was "very harsh" and discouraging."

What's a good alternative to "very harsh"?

Alternatives include "extremely severe", "exceptionally cruel", or "particularly stringent", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "very harsh"?

Yes, "very harsh" is grammatically correct. "Very" is an adverb that modifies the adjective "harsh", intensifying its meaning.

What is the difference between "very harsh" and "quite harsh"?

"Very harsh" indicates a higher degree of severity than "quite harsh". "Very harsh" suggests something is extremely severe, while "quite harsh" indicates a considerable but lesser degree of severity.