What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
harsh
Example
The teacher's harsh criticism made the student feel discouraged. [harsh: adjective]
Example
The harsh winter weather made it difficult to go outside. [harsh: adjective]
strict
Example
The school has a strict policy against cheating. [strict: adjective]
Example
My parents were very strict when it came to curfew. [strict: adjective]
Example
The coach is strict but fair in his expectations of the team. [strict: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strict is more commonly used than harsh in everyday language. Strict is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while harsh is less common and often used in more negative situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between harsh and strict?
Both harsh and strict can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, strict is more commonly used in formal settings such as business or academic environments, while harsh is more commonly used in informal settings such as personal conversations or social media posts.
