ferocity and ferociousness

[Anonymous]

Dear teachers,
Could you explain the difference between ferocity and ferociousness?
I know the two words are Noun. Are they same in all conditions?
e.g. The government should help to reduce the ferocity of the storms.
Can i say that "The government should help to reduce the ferociousness of the storms"?

 

[RonBee]

ferocity v. ferociousness

Could you explain the difference between ferocity and ferociousness?

Often, the shorter word carries more "punch" than the longer word. That is certainly true in this case. Both words are four syllables long, but ferocity is shorter in both speech and writing. Especially since you are using the word to convey the sense of strength or intensity or power, the shorter word is preferable. I wouldn't use ferociousness at all.

I hope that helps.

8)

 

[RonBee]

Corrections.

I know the two words are Noun.

I know the two words are nouns.

The government should help to reduce the ferocity of the storms.

The government should help reduce the ferocity of the storms.

(You don't need "to" there.)

Can i say that "The government should help to reduce the ferociousness of the storms"?

Can I say "The government should help reduce the ferociousness of the storms"?

(You don't need "that" when introducing a direct quote.)

8)

 

[MikeNewYork]

Dear teachers,
Could you explain the difference between ferocity and ferociousness?
I know the two words are Noun. Are they same in all conditions?
e.g. The government should help to reduce the ferocity of the storms.
Can i say that "The government should help to reduce the ferociousness of the storms"?

In my opinion, one can use the two words interchangeably.