a more serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a more serious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the seriousness of two or more situations, conditions, or issues. Example: "The recent events have led to a more serious discussion about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Exit rows are a more serious matter.

The New York Times

A more serious person".

The New York Times

A subpoena is a more serious step.

The New York Times

Isabel Sawhill takes a more serious view.

The Economist

African "tribalism" was a more serious problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On a more serious level, no.

The New York Times

There was, however, a more serious message.

The New York Times

"He's a more serious racer.

The New York Times

But this raises a more serious issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Sexton has a more serious appeal.

The New York Times

The Liberator is a more serious prospect.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a more serious" to highlight a significant escalation or shift in the severity of a situation, distinguishing it from something less consequential.

Common error

Avoid using "a more serious" in very casual conversations where a simpler word like "worse" or "bigger" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a more serious" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a higher degree of severity, importance, or concern compared to something else. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe issues, problems, injuries, and conversations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

24%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a more serious" effectively conveys a heightened degree of importance or severity, signaling an escalation from a previous state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. While predominantly found in neutral to formal registers like news and scientific publications, it's advisable to avoid overuse in very informal settings. Remember that this phrase is useful to highlight the increase or escalation of importance or gravity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a graver situation

This alternative implies a heavier, more impactful state of affairs.

a weightier concern

This suggests a concern that carries more importance or consequence.

a more critical issue

This emphasizes the importance of the issue at hand. It needs immediate attention.

a heightened risk

This indicates an elevated possibility of danger or negative outcomes.

a more alarming development

This alternative highlights the worrying nature of the progression of events.

a severer consequence

This phrase points to outcomes that are harsher or more difficult to bear.

a more pressing matter

This implies a matter that demands immediate attention and action.

a greater urgency

This alternative suggests the need for quicker action due to increased importance.

a darker prospect

This suggests a grim outlook or a less favorable future.

a tougher challenge

This alternative indicates a more demanding or difficult obstacle to overcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a more serious" to describe a situation that has escalated in severity. For example, "What started as a minor disagreement turned into "a more serious" conflict".

What are some alternatives to "a more serious"?

Alternatives include "a graver situation", "a weightier concern", or "a more critical issue" depending on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "a more serious"?

While grammatically correct, "a more serious" might sound overly formal in very casual settings. Consider the context and audience when choosing this phrase.

What's the difference between "a more serious" and "a serious"?

"A serious" describes something that is important or concerning. "A more serious" indicates a comparison, suggesting something has become significantly more important or concerning than before.