a certain seriousness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain seriousness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific level of seriousness in a situation or context, often implying that it is noteworthy or significant. Example: "The meeting addressed a certain seriousness regarding the company's financial future that could not be ignored."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Her silence conferred a certain seriousness on my question.

The New Yorker

She described her likeness as quite thoughtful and relaxed, but with a certain seriousness: "He has got me".

The Guardian - Arts

Bringing a certain seriousness to the comic-book movie is one thing, but draining it of all wit is quite another.

The Guardian - Film

Woody's — the name brings to mind endearing icons: the woodpecker, the folk singer, the station wagon — is easygoing, but it also has a certain seriousness of purpose.

The New York Times

Forging such close links between Silicon Valley and Silicon Roundabout could make easy prey of the latter.Still, the work put in by ministers to secure commitments from these outfits (George Osborne, the chancellor of the exchequer, who has had much else to occupy him, was the most assiduous), suggests a certain seriousness.

The Economist

The choreographer Ryan Kelly, who runs the Moving Theater company with Brennan Gerard and performed "Impermanent Collection" at the Whitney in 2007, said that because museums hadn't typically collected it, "performance hasn't really arrived at a certain seriousness, by comparison to the plastic arts".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

By contrast to Engels' somewhat breezy manner, Marx comes across as having a certain brooding seriousness about him – a seriousness that is not incompatible, be it noted, with a sardonic sense of humor.

Journal of Chinese Studies

By now, real success and longevity online require both technological skill and a certain fiduciary seriousness.

The New York Times - Magazine

And he even approached his vacations with a certain degree of seriousness, planning every last detail.

The New York Times

I put on a certain amount of seriousness when someone comes to visit".

The Guardian

Well, at least there's a certain discipline and seriousness implied in holding the pen upright, ridiculous as it might seem as a cure for every problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a certain seriousness" to subtly indicate a noteworthy degree of solemnity or importance without being overly dramatic. This phrase is useful when you want to acknowledge seriousness without exaggerating it.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain seriousness" in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler language to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain seriousness" functions as a descriptor, adding a qualitative aspect to an event, person, or situation. It subtly conveys a noticeable degree of gravity or importance. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Arts

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a certain seriousness" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to subtly convey a notable level of gravity or importance. Ludwig AI validates its correctness. While versatile, it resonates most naturally in neutral to formal contexts, particularly within news and media, and the arts, lending a touch of measured solemnity. When aiming for informality, opting for simpler alternatives enhances clarity and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a degree of gravity

Emphasizes the weightiness or importance, similar to seriousness but focused on impact.

a level of importance

Highlights the significance attributed to something, shifting from emotion to value.

a touch of solemnity

Indicates a slight or subtle sense of seriousness, less intense than the original.

a hint of gravitas

Suggests a more formal and dignified type of seriousness, often associated with authority.

a shade of earnestness

Implies sincerity and genuine intent, coloring the seriousness with positive motivation.

a measure of concern

Focuses on the worry or apprehension underlying the seriousness, highlighting potential negative outcomes.

a note of solemnity

Suggests a more formal and ceremonious type of seriousness.

a flavor of solemnity

Suggests a more formal and ceremonious type of seriousness.

some semblance of seriousness

Indicates a superficial or imitated seriousness, implying a lack of genuine feeling.

a soupçon of solemnity

Suggests a more formal and ceremonious type of seriousness.

FAQs

How can I use "a certain seriousness" in a sentence?

You can use "a certain seriousness" to describe the atmosphere or approach to a situation. For example, "The board meeting was conducted with "a certain seriousness" due to the recent financial losses".

What are some alternatives to "a certain seriousness"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a degree of gravity", "a level of importance", or "a touch of solemnity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a certain seriousness" or "a particular seriousness"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a certain seriousness" is generally used to indicate a noticeable degree of seriousness, while "a particular seriousness" might emphasize a specific instance or type of seriousness. The choice depends on the context.

Can "a certain seriousness" be used in both formal and informal writing?

While grammatically correct in most contexts, "a certain seriousness" is more suited to formal or neutral writing. In informal settings, consider simpler and more direct language to avoid sounding overly formal.