a grave matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation or issue that is serious or important, often with potential consequences. Example: "The decision to cut funding for the program is a grave matter that requires careful consideration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This is a grave matter".

The New York Times

The Savile case was "a grave matter".

The Guardian

"This is a grave matter," Mr. Metzoquiari said.

The New York Times

The execution of two human beings is a grave matter.

The Guardian

"Accusations of complicity in that mass murder from responsible authorities are a grave matter," they wrote.

The New York Times

It did nothing to make me think life is a grave matter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The fear is that the treasury might lose a significant amount of revenue, which is now an especially grave matter, at a time of fiscal squeeze.There are two ways that could happen.

The Economist

"The idea that Jewish communities will live under Palestinian sovereignty, as expressed by the prime minister's office, is a very grave matter, and it reflects a panicked loss of values," said the economy minister, Naftali Bennett, head of the Jewish Home party, which broadly represents the 350,000 Israeli settlers.

The Guardian

The plot turns on a very grave matter — the alleged sexual abuse of a young girl by an uncle — yet Mr. Baker for the most part treats the issue as an absurdist black comedy.

The New York Times

"It would depend on the facts but this is a grave, grave matter," he said.

The New York Times

Last year Rydzyk greeted the arrival of the first gay Polish MP with the words, "the sodomites are coming; it is a really grave matter".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a grave matter" to underscore the seriousness of a situation, especially when discussing topics with ethical, legal, or moral implications.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave matter" in casual conversations or writing, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for simpler phrases like "a serious issue" or "a big deal" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave matter" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object. Ludwig AI identifies it as appropriate for describing a situation deemed serious and requiring careful consideration. As evidenced in the examples, it often follows verbs like "is", "consider", or "view".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave matter" is a phrase used to describe a situation or issue of significant importance and seriousness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, especially in news and media. It is often employed to underscore the need for careful consideration or decisive action. While generally neutral in register, it is best reserved for situations where the seriousness warrants more formal language. Consider alternatives like "a serious issue" or "a critical situation" for less formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious issue

Replaces "grave" with "serious", maintaining the sense of importance but with a slightly less formal tone.

a critical situation

Emphasizes the urgency and potential danger of the matter.

a weighty concern

Highlights the burden or heavy responsibility associated with the matter.

an important affair

More formal and emphasizes the significance of the issue.

a significant problem

Focuses on the problematic nature and potential consequences.

a pressing issue

Stresses the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a dire circumstance

Conveys a sense of extreme seriousness and potential for negative outcomes.

a consequential event

Emphasizes the far-reaching effects and implications.

a matter of great import

Highly formal, emphasizing the importance of the topic at hand.

a momentous occasion

Highlights the historical significance or turning point nature of the matter.

FAQs

How to use "a grave matter" in a sentence?

Use "a grave matter" to describe something serious or important. For example, "The allegations of corruption are "a grave matter" that requires investigation."

What can I say instead of "a grave matter"?

You can use alternatives like "a serious issue", "a critical situation", or "a weighty concern" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a grave matter" or "a serious matter"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a grave matter" implies a higher degree of seriousness and potential consequences than "a serious matter".

What's the difference between "a grave matter" and "a grave concern"?

"A grave matter" refers to a serious situation or issue, while "a grave concern" emphasizes worry or anxiety about something. The first highlights the problem itself, the second the emotional response to it.