What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sternly
Example
The teacher spoke sternly to the students who were misbehaving. [sternly: adverb]
Example
He looked at her sternly, warning her not to do it again. [sternly: adverb]
strictly
Example
The company has a strictly enforced dress code policy. [strictly: adverb]
Example
She follows a strictly vegan diet and doesn't consume any animal products. [strictly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strictly is more commonly used than sternly in everyday language. Strictly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sternly is less common and tends to be used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sternly and strictly?
Both sternly and strictly are associated with a formal or serious tone. However, sternly may be considered more formal due to its association with authority figures such as teachers or bosses, while strictly can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
