a serious thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a matter or situation that is significant or requires careful consideration. Example: "This is not just a minor issue; it's a serious thing that we need to address immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

— It's a serious thing?

The New Yorker

Comedy is a serious thing.

The New Yorker

That is a serious thing".

The New York Times

It's not a serious thing".

The Guardian

It is a serious thing.

The New York Times

It's not like a serious thing.

The New York Times - Style

Debt, though, is a serious thing.

The New York Times

Boxing is a serious thing for him.

The New York Times

The Tour is a serious thing.

The Guardian - Arts

Poverty is a serious thing there.

The Guardian

But that's a serious thing to do.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing the importance of a topic, use "a serious thing" to underscore that it requires careful thought and consideration. For instance, say, "Climate change is "a serious thing" that demands immediate action."

Common error

Avoid using "a serious thing" in overly casual or trivial conversations, as it can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Reserve it for situations where the gravity of the issue warrants such emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object complement. It emphasizes the gravity or importance of the subject being discussed, as confirmed by Ludwig and its wide range of examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious thing" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the importance or gravity of a situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While it's appropriate for formal writing, it's best to avoid overuse in casual conversation to prevent sounding overly dramatic. Alternative phrases like "a grave matter" or "an important issue" can be used for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave matter

Emphasizes the severe or critical nature of the situation.

an important issue

Highlights the significance and relevance of the topic.

a critical situation

Focuses on the potential for negative outcomes if not handled properly.

a weighty concern

Indicates the seriousness and burden associated with the issue.

a matter of consequence

Stresses the significant implications and potential ramifications.

a significant problem

Underscores the importance and potential impact of the issue.

a pressing concern

Highlights the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a considerable issue

Indicates the notability and substantial nature of the topic.

a significant event

Highlights the relevance of the event.

a substantial matter

Emphasizes the considerable magnitude or extent of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious thing" to emphasize the importance or gravity of a situation. For example, "Debt, though, is "a serious thing"."

What are some alternatives to "a serious thing"?

Alternatives to "a serious thing" include "a grave matter", "an important issue", or "a critical situation", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "a serious thing" is appropriate in formal writing when you want to emphasize the significance of an issue. However, consider more formal alternatives like "a matter of consequence" for heightened formality.

What's the difference between "a serious thing" and "a serious matter"?

"A serious thing" is slightly more general and can refer to a situation, event, or issue. "A serious matter" is more commonly used to refer to a specific problem or situation that requires attention. They are often interchangeable, but "a serious matter" may sound slightly more formal.