Serious dilemma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Serious dilemma" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a situation that presents a difficult choice or problem that requires careful consideration. Example: "The company faced a serious dilemma when deciding whether to cut costs or invest in new technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This poses a serious dilemma for the ANC leadership.

The Guardian

This left us in a more serious dilemma than most people realize.

Yale University

If you call yourself an oral historian, that's got to be a serious dilemma.

Columbia University

However, the development of microalgal biofuels witnesses an obvious and serious dilemma.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

This is a serious dilemma for the advocates of monetary policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For bond investors, particularly retirees, these low yields pose a serious dilemma.

The New York Times

The willingness of individuals to authorize others to control them raises a serious dilemma.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many Democrats I speak to dismiss the idea that this constitutes a serious dilemma.

The Washington Post

Despite its superficial appeal, government by continuous opinion poll does create one serious dilemma.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

These values can create serious dilemmas and conflicts for us.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And, as things stand, Liverpool are faced with some serious dilemmas.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious dilemma", ensure that the context clearly establishes the conflicting options or challenging circumstances that make the dilemma significant.

Common error

Avoid using "serious dilemma" when a simpler term like "challenge" or "problem" would suffice. Reserve it for situations involving genuinely significant moral or practical conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious dilemma" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a challenging situation involving difficult choices, as seen in Ludwig examples like "The Obama administration now faces a serious dilemma..." or "This poses a serious dilemma for the ANC leadership."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious dilemma" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a significant challenge or difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English. With a neutral register, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and general discussions. When employing this phrase, ensure the context highlights the complex choices and potential consequences involved. While alternatives like ""grave predicament"" or ""critical quandary"" exist, "serious dilemma" effectively conveys the weight and complexity of the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Grave predicament

Emphasizes the severity and potential danger of the situation.

Critical quandary

Highlights the perplexing and difficult nature of the problem.

Difficult situation

A more general term that indicates a challenging set of circumstances.

Acute crisis

Focuses on the urgent and critical nature of the problem.

Tough challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required to overcome the situation.

Problematic issue

Highlights the problematic aspect of the situation, suggesting potential negative consequences.

Complex problem

Focuses on the intricate and multifaceted nature of the difficulty.

Challenging decision

Highlights the difficulty in making a choice among several options.

Delicate matter

Emphasizes the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

Precarious position

Highlights the instability and risk associated with the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "serious dilemma" in a sentence?

You can use "serious dilemma" to describe a situation where someone faces a difficult choice between two or more undesirable options. For example, "The company faced a serious dilemma when deciding whether to cut costs or invest in new technology."

What are some alternatives to "serious dilemma"?

Some alternatives to "serious dilemma" include "grave predicament", "critical quandary", or "difficult situation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "serious dilemma" instead of "problem"?

"Serious dilemma" implies a more complex and morally challenging situation than a simple "problem". Use "serious dilemma" when the situation involves conflicting values or significant consequences for different choices.

What's the difference between "serious dilemma" and "ethical dilemma"?

While both involve difficult choices, an "ethical dilemma" specifically concerns moral principles and values, whereas a "serious dilemma" can encompass any challenging situation with significant consequences, not necessarily limited to ethical considerations. In other words, an ethical dilemma involves a conflict of morals while a serious dilemma involves a conflict of circumstances.