violent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "violent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an intense, disruptive act that results in physical pain or destruction. For example, "The protesters became violent when the police attempted to disperse them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Theresa Villiers, the Northern Ireland secretary, also appealed to unionist leaders to return to the negotiating table over controversial parades, the flying of flags and the legacy of Ulster's violent past.

The Guardian

I always tried to avoid contact with those violent guards unless it was extremely necessary.

The Guardian

"The Farc need to understand that peace is not achieved by stepping up their violent actions," he said.

The Guardian

Although the TDIC said the report showed that improvements had been made, this August saw violent clashes among migrant labourers, reportedly provoked by the deportation of strikers and the hiring of "scab" workers.

The Guardian

The violent seizure of white-owned farms in the 2000s, they argue, was a historic reclaiming of land from the legacy of colonialism, an act that South Africa and other post-independence governments have not dared carry out.

The Guardian

Related: Mexican man dies during violent police response to teachers protest in Acapulco Six people died and 43 others disappeared last September when a bus convoy carrying a party of student teachers was attacked by municipal police officers, allegedly in league with a local drug cartel.

The Guardian

The violent protests over the union flag row have now extended to the East Antrim town, which has long-standing historical links to the Ulster loyalist-Protestant cause.

The Guardian

The King Of Pigs Two ex-schoolmates revisit their violent past in this grown-up Korean animation.

The Guardian - Film

Now, 10 years on, senior officers have visited Full Sutton prison in York, to question Brian Lunn Field, a violent paedophile serving life for the kidnap and murder of 14-year-old Roy Tutill in Surrey in 1968.

The Guardian

Dimitris Christopoulos, vice-president of the International Federation for Human Rights, said: "Golden Dawn's strategy is aimed clearly at disassociating the leadership from the violent underclass who were part of the hit squads and committed the crimes".

The Guardian

Out of power in Dublin and strategically outflanked by the DUP since the St Andrews agreement two years ago, the party might be tempted back to the strategy of tension, to use the threat of violent street protest to exact fresh concessions from the British government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "violent", ensure the context clearly indicates the target or recipient of the violence to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify whether it's a "violent storm" or a "violent act against civilians".

Common error

Avoid using "violent" when a less intense adjective would suffice. Describing a disagreement as a "violent discussion" might be an overstatement; consider alternatives like "heated" or "intense"./s/heated

Linguistic Context

The word "violent" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that uses or involves physical force to cause harm or damage. Ludwig indicates that this word is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Film

2%

Books

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "violent" is an adjective widely used to describe events, actions, or people characterized by the use of strong physical force, often causing damage or injury. Ludwig AI highlights that its usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using "violent", clarity is essential to ensure the context specifies the target or recipient of the violence. While alternatives like "forceful", "aggressive", or "intense" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance intended. Avoiding overuse in figurative contexts maintains precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brutal

Focuses on the ruthless and savage nature of the action.

forceful

Emphasizes the use of power or strength, often in a determined way.

destructive

Emphasizes the damaging and ruinous effects of an action.

aggressive

Highlights a proactive and sometimes hostile approach.

intense

Implies a high degree of strength or force, whether physical or emotional.

ferocious

Suggests extreme intensity and wildness in the use of force.

savage

Implies a lack of restraint and a primitive, uncivilized nature.

tumultuous

Describes a state of great disturbance, disorder, and intensity.

turbulent

Indicates instability and agitation, often associated with chaotic situations.

vehement

Highlights the intensity and passion behind an action or expression.

FAQs

How can I use "violent" in a sentence?

Use "violent" to describe something that involves great force or causes harm. For example, "The movie contained several "violent scenes"" or "The storm brought "violent winds"."

What words can I use instead of "violent"?

Depending on the context, you can use "forceful", "aggressive", "brutal", or "intense". Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "violently agree"?

While grammatically possible, "violently agree" is not commonly used. Consider saying you "strongly agree" or "wholeheartedly agree" instead to express a high level of agreement without using an adjective that describes force or harm.

What is the difference between "violent" and "aggressive"?

"Violent" implies physical force that is intended to cause damage or injury. "Aggressive" describes a forceful or assertive behavior, but it doesn't necessarily imply physical harm. Someone can be aggressive in their negotiation tactics without being violent.