a serious change

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious change" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or important alteration in a situation, condition, or process. Example: "The company is undergoing a serious change in its management structure to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Is such a serious change warranted?

The New York Times

None suggested a serious change of direction, Turnbull says.

The Guardian

For the military here, a serious change in Egypt means a strategic shift in planning.

The New York Times

It is time for a serious change of attitudes and policies.

The New York Times

Back in the mid-2000s, the U.S. consumer economy was undergoing a serious change.

The New York Times - Magazine

People think America is headed in the wrong direction and want a serious change in direction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Radiation necrosis, however, is a less common but a more serious change.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

A really serious change in size is out of the question, but a small enough one that it's more or less imperceptible?

TechCrunch

"This is a very serious change," she said.

The New York Times

Lal et al. reviewed neuroradiological CT scans and reported a potentially serious change in patient outcome in only 0.08% of cases [8].

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

But the overriding message from other nations is a discouraging one: Serious change can take decades, especially when pollution is a byproduct of economic growth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious change", ensure the context clearly indicates what is changing and why it matters. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious change" when the alteration is minor or insignificant. Using it for trivial matters weakens its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a serious change" is as a noun phrase acting as an object or complement within a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase describes a significant alteration in a situation, condition, or process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious change" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a significant alteration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the nature and impact of the change. Related phrases like "a major transformation" or "a significant shift" can offer nuanced alternatives. Remember that overusing the phrase or applying it to trivial matters can diminish its impact. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its usage in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, reinforcing its credibility and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major transformation

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the change.

a significant shift

Highlights a change in direction or focus.

a radical alteration

Implies a fundamental and far-reaching change.

a profound modification

Suggests a deep and impactful change.

a substantial revision

Focuses on the act of revising something in a significant way.

a marked difference

Highlights a noticeable and distinct change.

a complete overhaul

Indicates a thorough and comprehensive change.

a dramatic development

Emphasizes the suddenness and impact of the change.

a fundamental restructuring

Focuses on changing the basic structure of something.

a sea change

Implies a broad and pervasive transformation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a serious change" in a sentence?

To use "a serious change" effectively, ensure that you clearly define what is changing and the implications of that change. For instance, "The company implemented "a serious change" in its marketing strategy to target a younger demographic."

What are some alternatives to using "a serious change" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a significant shift", "a major transformation", or "a radical alteration". These phrases provide nuanced ways to express similar concepts.

Is it more appropriate to use "a serious change" or "a significant change"?

Both phrases are correct, but "a serious change" emphasizes the gravity or importance of the change, while "a significant change" simply highlights that the change is noteworthy. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended emphasis.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a serious change"?

It is inappropriate to use "a serious change" when describing minor adjustments or trivial matters. The phrase implies a substantial impact, so using it for insignificant changes would be an overstatement.