a serious degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious degree" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or substantial level of seriousness regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "The project requires a serious degree of commitment from all team members to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

"The patients were in a serious degree of shock," he said.

The New York Times

As Konstantin Simonov, the director of the National Energy Fund, put it to me, "The story is simple: with a company like Gazprom, not just anybody can show up off the street and say, 'I want to build a giant gas pipe.' It's clear that Rotenberg needed a serious degree of political support on the first step".

The New Yorker

The random characteristic of wind speed results in a serious degree of disturbance in the power system, leading to the increasing need of faster-ramping thermal units.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

The tribes want guarantees that they will be given a serious degree of devolution for their areas and a real say in national decision-making, correspondents say.

BBC

The tribes want guarantees that they will be given a serious degree of devolution for their areas and a real say in national decision-making, our correspondent adds.

BBC

Recruitment in the camps is officially banned and not acknowledged, says Sharif, but such "activities in the camps are causing a serious degree of worry for the authorities".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Before I could embark on any serious degree of memory training, I first needed a stockpile of palaces at my disposal.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The question now," it added, "is whether the nation can show any serious degree of resolve and coordination in confronting terror".

The New York Times

At least not to any serious degree.

Huffington Post

High blood glucose seems to be correlated with a high APACHE II score and a more serious degree of disease such as a higher incidence of respiratory infection [29].

Annals of Intensive Care

While many children may display such behaviors, he says that psychopaths will display them more often and to a more serious degree.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious degree" to describe an abstract concept, ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect is being emphasized as substantial. For example, "The project requires "a serious degree" of dedication" is more effective than simply stating, "It requires "a serious degree".

Common error

Avoid using "a serious degree" when a milder expression is more appropriate. Overstating the intensity can dilute the impact of your message. For instance, instead of "The task requires "a serious degree" of effort", consider "The task requires considerable effort" if the task is challenging but not exceptionally difficult.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious degree" functions as an adjectival modifier followed by a noun, specifying the extent or intensity of a particular quality, state, or action. It emphasizes the significance or gravity of what is being described, as demonstrated in Ludwig AI's examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a serious degree" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to emphasize the extent or intensity of a particular attribute or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples from diverse sources illustrate its application across various contexts. While suitable for formal and informal usage, it's predominantly found in professional and academic settings. Remember to use it thoughtfully, ensuring it accurately conveys the intended intensity without overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant level

Replaces "degree" with "level", indicating a measurable amount of something.

a considerable extent

Substitutes "serious degree" with "considerable extent", emphasizing the range or scope.

a substantial amount

Replaces "degree" with "amount", focusing on the quantity or measure of something.

a marked extent

Uses "marked extent" to highlight a noticeable or significant range.

a high level

Replaces "serious degree" with "high level", indicating an elevated position or measure.

a notable quantity

Focuses on the amount, using "notable quantity" to suggest a noteworthy measure.

a significant proportion

Emphasizes the relative amount, using "proportion" to suggest a fraction of a whole.

a considerable portion

Similar to "significant proportion", but uses "considerable" to emphasize the size of the fraction.

a substantial fraction

Highlights the relative size, using "fraction" to focus on the part of a whole.

a tangible amount

Replaces degree with tangible amount, denoting it is something can be grasped or realized.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious degree" to describe the extent or intensity of something. For example, "The situation demands "a serious degree" of attention", or "Success requires "a serious degree" of commitment".

What are some alternatives to "a serious degree"?

Some alternatives include "a significant level", "a considerable extent", or "a substantial amount", depending on the specific context.

Is "a serious degree" formal or informal?

"A serious degree" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more frequently encountered in professional or academic writing. The tone is generally neutral, but it can also have a negative undertone, like 'The problem is of "a serious degree"'.

How does the meaning of "a serious degree" compare to "a high degree"?

"A serious degree" implies a notable or concerning extent, while "a high degree" simply indicates a significant level. For example, "a serious degree" of risk suggests a dangerous situation, whereas "a high degree" of skill suggests expertise.