a serious time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period that is marked by gravity, importance, or significant events. Example: "We are living in a serious time where our actions will determine the future of our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

A serious time for German politicians.

The Economist

"This is a serious time," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Either way, the group has realized that managing Menaji is a serious time commitment with no immediate payoff.

The New York Times

"It's a serious time, so I'm not going to arrive looking like a peacock or a flamingo".

The New York Times

"But there is a serious time lag – five to 10 years – between rising inequality and when it affects cities".

The Guardian

I just think we need to take our jobs more seriously, because this is a serious time right now.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Bringing a serious time-travel story to a satisfying conclusion is never easy; there's always a temptation to force an ending out of the paradoxes inherent in the very notion of living out of your time.

The New York Times - Books

When the considered flow is highly dissipative, this otherwise very attractive method faces a serious time-step limitation.

Journal of Computational Physics

But know that it can be a serious time-suck.

Vice

After the last three months, I think we could all use a serious time-out, ya know?

Huffington Post

Sometimes it takes ambulances a little too long to dispatch, and heatstroke is a serious, time-sensitive medical crisis.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious time", ensure the context clearly reflects a period of importance, challenge, or consequence. Avoid using it in trivial or lighthearted situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious time" when describing minor inconveniences or everyday challenges. Reserve it for situations with genuine weight and significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it characterizes a period marked by significance or challenge, often within a broader narrative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a period marked by importance, challenge, or consequence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's suitable for formal and informal contexts but is most frequently found in news and media. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context genuinely warrants its use, reflecting the weight and significance it conveys. Alternatives such as "a critical juncture" or "a grave moment" can provide nuanced variations, and focusing on its proper usage will strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical juncture

Emphasizes the decisiveness and potential turning point aspect of the period.

a grave moment

Highlights the solemn and weighty nature of the period.

a momentous occasion

Focuses on the historical importance and significance of the period.

a crucial phase

Stresses the importance of the period within a larger process or development.

a testing period

Indicates a time of challenge, trial, and evaluation.

a challenging era

Highlights the difficulties and obstacles present during the specified period.

a period of crisis

Emphasizes the instability and potential danger of the period.

a difficult chapter

Frames the period as a part of a larger narrative, emphasizing its challenging nature.

a time of reckoning

Suggests a period of accountability and judgment.

an uneasy climate

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety and uncertainty that marks the period.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious time" to describe periods marked by importance or challenge, such as: "This is "a serious time" for reflection on our environmental impact." or "The nation faces "a serious time" as it grapples with economic instability."

What are some alternatives to "a serious time"?

Alternatives include "a critical juncture", "a grave moment", or "a momentous occasion", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "a serious time" is appropriate for formal writing when describing significant or critical periods. However, ensure the tone and context align with the gravity of the situation.

What's the difference between "a serious time" and "a difficult time"?

"A serious time" generally refers to a period marked by importance and potential consequences, while "a difficult time" emphasizes the challenges and hardships experienced during that period. While related, the former focuses on significance, and the latter on adversity.