very harshly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very harshly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is treated or criticized in a severe or extreme manner. Example: "The teacher spoke very harshly to the students after the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

They're treated very harshly.

The New York Times

That spotlight is going to pick you up very harshly.

The New Yorker

"People criticize the government very harshly in fact, and we don't create any restrictions on it".

The New York Times

But I also culled weaker ideas very harshly, which has helped my creativity hugely.

The Guardian - Opinion

If we don't resolve this, the W.T.O. will be judged very harshly".

The New York Times

"Any time you wear a USA uniform, you're going to be judged very harshly," he said.

The New York Times

I am certain that George W. will be judged very harshly by history for his foolishness.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Indeed, as he wrote to me in an e-mail: "Its very alcoholic, harshly tannic and overripe style is emphatically not what I think of as my paradigm for well-made claret".

The New York Times - Food

Saudi officials harshly and very publicly criticised the Obama administration for what they perceived as its timid approach to the region.

BBC

(The big problem establishment conservatives and neocons have with Trump is that he has harshly, and very much after the fact, turned against the Iraq War. At the time, the Duce was for the invasion. Rah rah).

Huffington Post

I went to my first Zumba class recently, and I harshly (and very un-gracefully) realized that I missed the memo to learn, memorize and perfect every dance number in the class.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very harshly", ensure the context supports the intensity of the adverb. It's most effective when describing actions or judgments that have significant negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "very harshly" in contexts where the situation doesn't warrant such a strong descriptor. Using it for minor criticisms can sound hyperbolic and undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very harshly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It intensifies the meaning of "harshly", indicating a severe or extreme degree of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very harshly" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to intensify the description of an action performed in a severe or extreme manner. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to emphasize negative connotations. While adaptable, it's best used when the situation genuinely warrants such a strong descriptor to avoid sounding hyperbolic. Alternatives like "extremely severely" or "especially rigorously" can be used to add nuance. Be mindful of the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely severely

Emphasizes the intensity and severity of the action.

particularly critically

Highlights a heightened level of critical judgment or assessment.

especially rigorously

Focuses on the strictness and thoroughness applied.

unusually sternly

Suggests a deviation from the norm in terms of strictness.

remarkably brutally

Draws attention to the exceptional cruelty or violence involved.

distinctly severely

Highlights a clear and noticeable degree of severity.

notably critically

Emphasizes that the criticism is noteworthy or significant.

considerably strictly

Indicates a significant degree of strictness or adherence to rules.

quite unfavorably

Focuses on negative perception or reaction.

awfully roughly

Emphasizes the harshness and lack of gentleness in treatment.

FAQs

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

You can use "very harshly" to describe severe treatment or criticism. For example, "The judge ruled "extremely severely". "

What are some alternatives to "very harshly"?

Alternatives include "extremely severely", "particularly critically", or "especially rigorously" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "very harshly"?

It's appropriate when describing situations involving severe punishment, intense criticism, or extremely strict treatment.

What's the difference between "very harshly" and "quite harshly"?

"Very harshly" implies a greater degree of severity or intensity compared to "quite harshly". "Very harshly" suggests a more extreme reaction or treatment.