a serious one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation, issue, or matter that is significant or requires careful consideration. Example: "The decision we are facing is a serious one, and we must weigh all our options carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a serious one, obviously.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And it's a serious one this time.

The Guardian - Sport

Is the comment a serious one?

The New York Times

My sister's book is a serious one.

The New York Times

The study is a serious one.

The New York Times

'The exercise of ascertaining the facts was a serious one".

The New York Times

But it was a satisfying set, and a serious one.

The New York Times - Arts

Its a childish thing, never a serious one.

The Guardian - Sport

There's a trivial problem for Labour, and a serious one.

The Guardian - Opinion

The problem is a serious one for trucking companies.

The New York Times

"It's a serious one," reported the director of rugby.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious one", ensure the context clearly establishes what the "one" refers to. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious one" in overly casual or informal settings. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler, more direct language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious one" functions as a nominal phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an appositive. It refers back to a previously mentioned noun, emphasizing its significance or severity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a serious one" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to underscore the significance of a previously mentioned subject. According to Ludwig AI, its correctness allows for wide application across varied contexts, with prominent usage in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communications. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the "one" to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a significant matter" or "a critical problem" can provide nuanced substitutions. Although widely appropriate, avoid overuse in overtly casual settings to maintain impact. Ludwig's examples reinforce its consistent function and register in authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant matter

Focuses on the importance and consequence of the issue.

a grave concern

Emphasizes the worrisome nature of the subject.

an important issue

Highlights the relevance and need for attention.

a critical problem

Indicates the urgency and potential for negative outcomes.

a weighty decision

Stresses the importance and potential impact of the choice.

a profound challenge

Underscores the depth and complexity of the difficulty.

a substantial undertaking

Highlights the magnitude and effort required.

a major predicament

Emphasizes the difficult and unenviable situation.

a consequential event

Focuses on the long-term effects and implications.

a pressing issue

Indicates the urgency and need for immediate action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious one" to refer to a problem, issue, or situation that requires careful consideration. For example, "The economic crisis is "a serious one"."

What's a more concise alternative to "a serious one"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "significant", "critical", or "grave" instead of ""a serious one"".

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

Yes, ""a serious one"" is perfectly appropriate in formal writing when you need to emphasize the importance or severity of something.

What's the difference between "a serious issue" and "a serious one"?

"A serious issue" is more direct, while ""a serious one"" implies that the specific issue has already been mentioned or is understood in the context. The latter is more elliptical.