a grave situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or critical circumstance that requires attention or action. Example: "The company is facing a grave situation due to the sudden loss of its major client, and immediate measures must be taken to address the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"This is truly a grave situation.

The Guardian

Mr Snowden found himself in a grave situation.

The Guardian

In 1857 he was summoned to Oudh (Ayodhya), where annexation, precipitate land reforms, and a mutinous army had created a grave situation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"China is still facing a grave situation in fighting pollution," Tao Detian, a spokesman for the Ministry of Environmental Protection, told the official China Daily newspaper.

The New York Times

The concerto is autobiographical: its four movements, Schoenberg suggested, reflect sentiments like "Life was so easy" and "A grave situation was created".

The New York Times - Arts

Sports played out via the Big Apple-Beantown rivalry have injected levity into a grave situation, one that dates from Matt's infancy.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"We are in a very grave situation which demands a wise reaction".

The New York Times

"It hasn't had the same attention as Michoacan, but Guerrero is in a very grave situation," said Jorge Chabat, a professor at the Center for Economic Research and Teaching.

Los Angeles Times

The plan explicitly states that Greece is in a uniquely grave situation and requires an exceptional solution.

The New York Times

McGuinness said: "Ultimately, Cardinal Brady's response is a matter for himself and the church, but it is a very grave situation for survivors of abuse, for the Catholic church and for Catholics across Ireland.

The Guardian

The official, Peter Szijjarto, a spokesman for Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was quoted by Bloomberg News and other news agencies as saying that the Hungarian economy was in a "very grave situation," and going so far as to raise the specter of a default.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a grave situation", ensure the context clearly reflects the seriousness and potential consequences of the situation. Use it to emphasize the need for immediate attention and decisive action.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave situation" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday problems. This can diminish the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for truly serious circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave situation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes a serious or critical circumstance. For example, 'This is truly a grave situation'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a grave situation" is a noun phrase used to describe a serious and critical set of circumstances. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, where its purpose is to emphasize severity and alert audiences to the need for action. While generally neutral in register, it can lean toward formal. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context warrants its intensity and to avoid overuse in milder scenarios. Alternatives such as "a serious predicament" or "a critical juncture" may be more appropriate depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serious predicament

Emphasizes the challenging and difficult nature of the situation.

a critical juncture

Highlights the decisive and pivotal aspect of the situation.

a dire circumstance

Conveys a sense of extreme urgency and negativity.

a perilous state

Stresses the risk and danger associated with the situation.

a precarious condition

Focuses on the instability and uncertainty of the situation.

a troublesome plight

Highlights the distressing and unfortunate nature of the situation.

a difficult state of affairs

Offers a more descriptive and elaborate way to express the complexity of the situation.

a major crisis

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the situation.

a severe emergency

Focuses on the urgent and immediate need for action.

a worrying development

Highlights the cause for concern and potential negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "a grave situation" in a sentence?

Use "a grave situation" to describe events or circumstances that pose significant risks or have severe consequences. For example, "The economic downturn has created "a grave situation" for many small businesses."

What are some alternatives to "a grave situation"?

You can use alternatives like "a serious predicament", "a critical juncture", or "a dire circumstance" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a grave situation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a grave situation" is appropriate for formal writing when describing genuinely serious or critical matters. However, ensure that your tone remains objective and avoids exaggeration.

What distinguishes "a grave situation" from "a serious situation"?

"A grave situation" implies a higher degree of severity and potential for negative outcomes compared to "a serious situation". "Grave" suggests a situation that is life-threatening, extremely important, or deeply concerning.