a serious incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious incident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that has significant consequences or implications, often in contexts such as news reports, safety discussions, or formal communications. Example: "The investigation revealed that a serious incident had occurred at the facility, prompting an immediate review of safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a serious incident.

The New York Times

"This is a serious incident.

The New York Times

Board officials say they do, unless a serious incident arises.

The New York Times

This was a serious incident in itself, the potential for an even greater consequence was apparent".

Independent

But contingency planning for a serious incident contemplates deploying special forces alongside the police too.

The Economist

"It was a serious incident that pointed to a serious problem," Mr. Wolfson said.

The New York Times

It is up to the CCG to determine when a serious incident has been satisfactorily resolved.

The Guardian

Glyn Travis, assistant secretary of the POA, said: "There is a serious incident at HMP Ranby.

Independent

Are they playing a joke on such a serious incident?" she added.

The New York Times

The Highways Agency declared a "serious incident" as emergency services rushed to the scene.

The Guardian

"This is a serious incident and I will be conducting an investigation into how it occurred.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on "a serious incident", ensure your language remains objective and avoids sensationalism. Focus on factual details and verified information to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of "a serious incident" before all facts are known. Prematurely declaring a situation as catastrophic can lead to misinformation and public panic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious incident" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence, referring to an event or occurrence of significant concern. As Ludwig AI states, it describes events with substantial consequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious incident" is a frequently used phrase to describe events of significant concern, mostly across news, academic, and formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for formal communication. While various alternatives exist, such as "a grave event" or "a critical situation", they each bring subtly different nuances. When employing this phrase, it’s essential to maintain objectivity and avoid exaggeration, focusing on factual details to ensure clear and reliable communication. Finally, be mindful of the potential to overstate the severity of the incident before all facts are known.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave event

Replaces "serious incident" with more formal and somber vocabulary.

a critical situation

Focuses on the urgency and potential danger of the event.

a major crisis

Highlights the scale and impact of the incident.

a significant occurrence

Emphasizes the importance and noteworthiness of the event.

a regrettable happening

Underscores the unfortunate nature of the event.

a dire development

Suggests a negative and potentially harmful unfolding of events.

a calamitous affair

Implies a disastrous and tragic incident.

a troubling matter

Downplays the severity slightly, focusing on the concern it raises.

a concerning episode

Similar to "a troubling matter", emphasizing the worrying aspect.

an alarming event

Focuses on the fear or anxiety the incident provokes.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious incident" to describe an event with significant negative consequences. For instance, "The company launched an investigation after "a serious incident" occurred at the factory".

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

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a grave event", "a critical situation", or "a major crisis" instead of "a serious incident".

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

Yes, "a serious incident" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reports, official statements, and academic papers where you need to describe an event with significant implications.

What distinguishes "a serious incident" from "a minor incident"?

"A serious incident" implies significant consequences, potential harm, or a breach of protocol, whereas "a minor incident" suggests a less consequential event with minimal impact.