very severe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very severe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is more extreme than usual. For example: "The punishment for the offense was very severe - a full year of imprisonment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was very severe.

The Guardian - Arts

It was very, very severe.

The Guardian

Their condition is very severe.

The Guardian

Nora is very severe with me".

The New Yorker

He had a very severe injury.

The New York Times - Sports

I was a very severe one.

The New York Times

The reaction was really very severe".

The Guardian - Business

That would have very severe consequences for financial stability.

The Guardian

Only in very severe cases are oral steroids used.

The New York Times - Health

The boundaries between revival and decay can be very severe.

The Guardian

I should warn you, he has suffered very severe injuries.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To amplify the impact of "very severe", consider pairing it with action-oriented verbs to demonstrate the need for urgent intervention.

Common error

Avoid using "very severe" when describing subjective experiences unless quantified or supported by objective evidence. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound less credible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very severe" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a high degree of intensity or seriousness. Ludwig shows its use in describing conditions, consequences, and situations that are significantly beyond the normal level of severity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very severe" is a commonly used adjective phrase that effectively conveys a high degree of intensity or seriousness. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "extremely serious" or "highly critical" can be used for variety, understanding the specific nuance each conveys is key. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the strong level of severity implied and provide specific details to reinforce your claim. Overusing the phrase in subjective contexts should be avoided to maintain credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely serious

Emphasizes the gravity or potential consequences of a situation.

highly critical

Focuses on the importance and urgency of addressing a situation.

exceptionally grave

Highlights the somber and concerning nature of a situation.

intensely acute

Describes a problem or condition that is sharply felt or experienced.

utterly critical

Underscores the absolute necessity of something.

terribly acute

Points to a condition of particular intensity or sharpness.

really critical

Similar to "highly critical" but somewhat less formal.

extremely critical

Very similar to "extremely serious" but with more focus on decision-making.

significantly critical

Emphasizes a notable degree of criticality.

incredibly serious

Highlights that the level of seriousness is remarkably elevated.

FAQs

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

Use "very severe" to describe situations, conditions, or consequences that are extremely serious or intense. For example, "The storm caused "very severe damage" to the coastal areas".

What are some alternatives to "very severe"?

You can use alternatives such as "extremely serious", "highly critical", or "exceptionally grave" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "very severe" in formal writing?

Yes, "very severe" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing objective situations. However, ensure that your usage is supported by evidence and avoids hyperbole.

What's the difference between "severe" and "very severe"?

"Very severe" implies a higher degree of intensity or seriousness than simply "severe". It emphasizes that the situation is significantly beyond the normal level of severity.