In English, the phrase ‘more stringent’ is often used to describe something that is stricter, more controlled, or more severe than something else. It is commonly used when comparing laws, rules, procedures, or standards. The word ‘stringent’ itself refers to something that is tight or binding, particularly in terms of regulation or discipline. When used in combination with ‘more,’ it becomes a comparative form that emphasizes an increased level of strictness. Understanding how to use ‘more stringent’ in various contexts is essential for effective communication, especially in formal and professional writing.
Definition of ‘Stringent’
The word ‘stringent’ functions as an adjective in the English language. It conveys a sense of strictness or severity in how something is applied, enforced, or maintained. Its origins can be traced back to Latin, from the wordstringere, which means ‘to bind tightly.’
Common meanings of ‘stringent’
- Strict or severe in enforcement or application
- Compelling, urgent, or demanding
- Scarce or limited in supply (less commonly used definition)
For example:
- ‘The government has introduced more stringent safety regulations for factories.’
- ‘During the economic crisis, banks adopted more stringent lending policies.’
The Comparative Form: ‘More Stringent’
‘More stringent’ is the comparative form of ‘stringent.’ It is used to compare two or more things and indicate that one has a greater level of strictness or control than the other. This form is preferred over simply saying ‘stringenter,’ which is grammatically incorrect in English. Since ‘stringent’ is a multi-syllable adjective, the comparative is formed with ‘more.’
Examples in sentences
- ‘The new environmental laws are more stringent than the old ones.’
- ‘Private schools sometimes have more stringent academic requirements than public schools.’
- ‘We need more stringent quality checks to ensure customer satisfaction.’
The phrase is widely used in discussions about public policy, business operations, legal systems, and quality control measures. It plays an important role in showing how rules evolve over time and become more demanding due to necessity, changing standards, or growing awareness.
When to Use ‘More Stringent’
‘More stringent’ is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something has become, or needs to become, tougher, more regulated, or more controlled. This could relate to laws, safety guidelines, procedures, testing methods, or even expectations.
Typical areas where the phrase appears
- Law and Policy: ‘The court demanded more stringent proof of identity.’
- Health and Safety: ‘The food industry now follows more stringent hygiene protocols.’
- Education: ‘Universities are setting more stringent admission criteria.’
- Finance: ‘Banks introduced more stringent measures to prevent fraud.’
It is especially useful in formal discussions or academic writing, where precise comparisons and clarity are important. Rather than saying something is just ‘tougher,’ ‘more stringent’ gives a refined, professional tone.
Synonyms and Related Terms
There are several words and phrases that share a similar meaning to ‘more stringent.’ However, the context in which you use them may vary slightly. Understanding synonyms can help you choose the best term based on the sentence’s tone and objective.
Common synonyms for ‘more stringent’
- More strict
- Tighter
- More severe
- More rigid
- More inflexible
- More demanding
While these terms may be interchangeable in some settings, ‘more stringent’ often carries a more formal or technical connotation, making it preferable in academic, business, or legal contexts.
Using ‘Stringent’ in Word Formation
Besides using ‘stringent’ in the comparative form ‘more stringent,’ the word can also be used in different forms to suit various grammatical needs.
Word family of ‘stringent’
- Stringency(noun): ‘The stringency of the new immigration laws shocked many.’
- Stringently(adverb): ‘The rules were stringently applied across all departments.’
These forms can be used to provide more variety in your writing while maintaining the core meaning related to strictness or tight regulation.
Examples in Real-Life Contexts
Let’s explore how ‘more stringent’ is commonly used in real-world scenarios. These examples show how the term functions effectively in various sectors:
1. Environmental Law
‘After the climate summit, the participating countries agreed to adopt more stringent emissions regulations to meet global warming targets.’
2. Education
‘Following a rise in academic dishonesty, the university implemented more stringent exam monitoring procedures.’
3. Health Policy
‘In response to the outbreak, hospitals enforced more stringent sanitation requirements in all patient areas.’
4. Workplace Safety
‘To reduce workplace accidents, the factory adopted more stringent protective gear standards for all workers.’
Benefits of Using the Phrase
Using ‘more stringent’ instead of a generic word like ‘tougher’ or ‘harsher’ gives your writing a tone of precision and professionalism. It’s a term well-suited for formal reports, academic discussions, legal arguments, and structured debate.
Why ‘more stringent’ is effective
- It clearly communicates a comparison
- It adds a technical and sophisticated tone
- It is widely recognized in many professional fields
Because of its precision and clarity, ‘more stringent’ is preferred in contexts where stakes are high and specificity is important, such as law, medicine, or engineering.
In English, the phrase ‘more stringent’ is an essential expression for conveying a heightened level of strictness or control. It is grammatically correct, widely used, and applicable in many formal situations. Whether you’re discussing legal policies, safety measures, academic standards, or financial regulations, this phrase provides the clarity and authority that other words may lack. By understanding its meaning, context, and proper usage, you can strengthen your communication and make your writing more effective and impactful.