a serious case of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious case of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a significant or extreme instance of a particular condition or situation, often in a humorous or exaggerated context. Example: "After binge-watching the entire series in one weekend, I think I have a serious case of Netflix addiction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A serious case of cancer?

Independent

A serious case of rust.

The Guardian - Film

It has a serious case of split personality.

The New York Times - Travel

Dani soon succumbs to a serious case of the blues.

The New York Times - Books

It is probably a serious case of lookism".

The New York Times - Magazine

"He's got a serious case of I've-got-a-secret".

The New York Times - Magazine

But the city has a serious case of puppy love.

The New York Times - Style

Bits readers have a serious case of broadband envy.

The New York Times

Your article reflects a serious case of denial.

The New York Times

THESE days, Washington has a serious case of split personality.

The New York Times - Travel

He has developed a serious case of diabetes.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a serious case of" to emphasize the significance or intensity of a condition, feeling, or situation, often with a touch of humor or exaggeration. For instance, "He's got a serious case of wanderlust" is more emphatic than "He likes to travel".

Common error

Avoid using "a serious case of" in formal or academic writing where a more precise or technical term would be more appropriate. Instead of saying "The study revealed a serious case of statistical bias", opt for "The study revealed significant statistical bias".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious case of" functions as an intensifier used to emphasize the severity or significance of a noun. It introduces a description that portrays something as being particularly pronounced or impactful, similar to how Ludwig presents examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious case of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the intensity or significance of a situation, feeling, or condition. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it adds emphasis and can be used humorously, it's best to avoid it in formal writing in favor of more precise language. Alternatives include "a severe bout of" or "a significant episode of", depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful of the context and audience when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a severe bout of

Replaces 'case' with 'bout', implying a shorter, more intense period.

a major instance of

Substitutes 'serious case' with 'major instance', highlighting the significance of the occurrence.

a significant episode of

Uses 'episode' instead of 'case', suggesting a distinct event or occurrence of something.

a critical occurrence of

Emphasizes the importance or criticality of the event, making it sound more formal.

an extreme example of

Highlights the extremity of the situation, suggesting it's an unusual or atypical instance.

a pronounced form of

Indicates that the condition or quality is very noticeable or distinct.

a notable degree of

Focuses on the extent or measure of something, implying it is substantial.

a considerable amount of

Replaces the concept of 'case' with a focus on quantity or extent.

a heightened sense of

Highlights an increased or intensified feeling or perception.

a bad attack of

Indicates a sudden, severe onset of a condition.

FAQs

How can I use "a serious case of" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious case of" to describe an intense or significant instance of something. For example, "After spending all day in the sun, she developed "a serious case of sunburn"" or "He has "a serious case of the blues" after the vacation ended".

What are some alternatives to "a serious case of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a severe bout of", "a major instance of", or "a significant episode of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a serious case of" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a serious case of" is often used informally to add emphasis or humor. In formal writing, it may be better to use more precise and technical language depending on the context. For example, instead of “a serious case of mismanagement”, use “significant mismanagement”.

What's the difference between "a serious case of" and "a mild case of"?

"A serious case of" indicates a significant or intense instance, while "a mild case of" suggests a less severe or less impactful occurrence. The choice between the two depends on the degree of severity you want to convey.