a serious charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant accusation or allegation, often in a legal or moral context. Example: "The defendant faced a serious charge of embezzlement that could lead to significant penalties if convicted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is a serious charge.

The Economist

Bribery is a serious charge which carries long prison sentences.

The New York Times

In American journalism, "angry" is a serious charge.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's a serious charge, so let's take it in steps.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If anyone gets assaulted with a crowbar, that's a serious charge".

The New York Times

In his affidavit, Oplinger angrily responded, "This is a serious charge, and devoid of merit".

The New Yorker

Coming from a heavyweight medical journal, this is a serious charge.

The Economist

"I think this is a serious charge," she said on Tuesday.

The New York Times

It's a serious charge and the proper place for this now is in the courts".

The New York Times

It is a serious charge — that the fund may be sacrificing hard-headed, objective analysis for political expediency.

The New York Times

I told them that I realized that this was a serious charge and said I'd answer any questions they had.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious charge", ensure that the context clearly establishes the nature and potential consequences of the accusation. Provide sufficient details to illustrate why the charge is considered serious.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious charge" for minor offenses or unsubstantiated claims. The phrase implies significant consequences, so reserve it for situations where the accusation genuinely warrants such gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious charge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It denotes an accusation or allegation of considerable importance and potential consequence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious charge" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a significant accusation. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While "a serious charge" implies significant consequences, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the accusation warrants such gravity. Consider alternatives like "a grave accusation" or "a weighty allegation" to fine-tune the emphasis. This phrase effectively highlights the gravity of an accusation, prompting careful consideration and investigation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave accusation

Emphasizes the weighty and significant nature of the accusation.

a weighty allegation

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the allegation.

a severe indictment

Suggests a formal accusation, often carrying legal implications.

a critical accusation

Focuses on the importance and potentially damaging nature of the accusation.

a significant allegation

Underscores the importance and relevance of the allegation.

a damning accusation

Implies that the accusation is highly damaging and difficult to refute.

a major allegation

Highlights the scale and impact of the allegation.

a consequential charge

Stresses the potential outcomes and ramifications of the charge.

a significant accusation

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and impact of the accusation.

a substantial allegation

Indicates that the allegation is based on solid evidence or reasoning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious charge" to describe an accusation that could result in significant consequences, such as legal penalties, social stigma, or professional repercussions. For instance: "The defendant faced "a serious charge" of fraud."

What are some alternatives to saying "a serious charge"?

Alternatives include "a grave accusation", "a weighty allegation", or "a severe indictment", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "a serious charge" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a serious charge" carries a formal tone. It's more suitable for legal, journalistic, or academic contexts than casual conversation. Consider using a more colloquial phrase if the situation is less formal.

What's the difference between "a serious charge" and "a minor offense"?

"A serious charge" implies a significant violation with potentially severe consequences, whereas "a minor offense" refers to a less consequential infraction with lighter penalties. The distinction lies in the gravity of the accusation and its repercussions.