a grave discussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave discussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or solemn conversation about a significant topic. Example: "The committee held a grave discussion about the implications of the new policy on the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In "Come and Get It," Swan's exuberant splay-legged leaps into Barney's arms, the taffy-pulling of a pair of lovers, a step over which visitors trip in Barney's office, and the play with a child's toy that leaven a grave discussion between father and daughter about love and sex are just a few of the whimsical devices of Hawks's invention that resound uncannily in the mind's more peculiar recesses.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

On Thursday, they were having grave discussions about the return of the dissident Irish terror threat, after letter bombs were sent to army recruitment centres.

Vice

The only print reporter permitted to hear her grave discussions with world leaders got nixed at the last second by the campaign.

Huffington Post

When Annie intimates a prickly uncertainty at what might be involved in the adoption — the child's traumatic history, the possibility of disease or dysfunction — Alemu ends their discussion with a grave observation that hangs in the air.

The New York Times

It would be a grave mistake to ignore the Holocaust in any serious discussion of the P5+1 Iranian nuclear "deal".

Huffington Post

This is a grave error.

Forbes

This is a grave matter".

The New York Times

That's not a grave".

The New Yorker

A grave crime called for grave punishment..

The Guardian

"A travesty, a grave crime," he splutters.

The Economist

A distraught woman points at a grave.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grave discussion" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and potential consequences of the topic being discussed. It's suitable for formal contexts where the weight of the matter needs to be highlighted.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave discussion" in casual or lighthearted conversations. The phrase's formal tone can sound overly dramatic or out of place in less serious contexts. Opt for simpler terms like "serious talk" or "important chat" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave discussion" functions as a noun phrase, where "grave" is an adjective modifying the noun "discussion". It describes the nature of the discussion, emphasizing its seriousness and importance. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave discussion" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to denote a serious and weighty conversation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples. While relatively infrequent, it's best suited for formal settings, particularly in journalism and news, where conveying the solemnity of a topic is paramount. Alternatives like "a serious conversation" or "a solemn deliberation" can provide similar connotations with slight variations in tone. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is generally well-received and understood, but should be applied judiciously to maintain appropriate tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious conversation

Replaces 'grave' with 'serious', a more common synonym emphasizing the importance and somber nature of the discussion.

a significant discussion

Replaces 'grave' with 'significant', a more generic but still appropriate synonym emphasizing the importance of the discussion.

a solemn deliberation

Substitutes 'discussion' with 'deliberation', suggesting a more formal and thoughtful conversational exchange. 'Grave' is replaced by 'solemn' adding a sense of seriousness and reverence.

a weighty exchange

Uses 'weighty' instead of 'grave' to describe the discussion, emphasizing its significance and potential impact. 'Exchange' is used instead of 'discussion'.

an earnest dialogue

Replaces 'grave' with 'earnest' to highlight the sincerity and seriousness of the discussion, with 'dialogue' suggesting a structured conversation.

a consequential exchange

Emphasizes the impact and ramifications of the discussion by using 'consequential'. 'Exchange' is used instead of 'discussion'.

a critical debate

Emphasizes the importance and potentially contentious nature of the conversation by using 'critical' and 'debate'.

an important consultation

Changes the focus to a more advisory and collaborative discussion by using 'consultation'. 'Important' replaces 'grave' to emphasize the high value.

a momentous conversation

Uses 'momentous' to describe the discussion, emphasizing its historical importance and potential long-term consequences. 'Conversation' replaces 'discussion'.

a crucial deliberation

Highlights the decisive nature of the discussion by using 'crucial' and 'deliberation'.

FAQs

What does "a grave discussion" mean?

The phrase "a grave discussion" refers to a conversation that is serious, important, and often somber in nature. It implies that the topic being discussed is of great consequence and requires careful consideration.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a grave discussion"?

Use "a grave discussion" when the topic is serious and carries significant weight. This phrase is fitting for formal settings, professional environments, or when addressing issues with potentially severe consequences.

What are some alternatives to "a grave discussion"?

You can use alternatives like "a serious conversation", "a solemn deliberation", or "an important consultation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a grave discussion" the same as "a serious discussion"?

While both phrases indicate a significant conversation, "a grave discussion" carries a stronger sense of seriousness and potential negative consequences than "a serious discussion". "Grave" implies a heavier, more somber tone.