a serious work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a piece of literature, art, or any project that is intended to be taken seriously or has significant depth and importance. Example: "The author is known for producing a serious work that challenges societal norms and provokes thought."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's a serious work in progress.

The New York Times - Sports

Anatomies is a serious work.

The Guardian - Books

You also need a serious work ethic, and some luck.

The New Yorker

The gimlet can be a serious work tool.

The New York Times - Style

This is a serious work, lightened occasionally by hilarious episodes.

The Guardian

And yet this was a serious work of art.

The Guardian - Arts

Still, Mr. Mayne has created a serious work of architecture.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a serious work force crisis in child welfare, with chronic staff turnover and vacancies.

The New York Times

The publisher emphasizes that he considers "The Insider" a serious work by a scholarly man.

The New Yorker

The corruption of the film industry should not be allowed to impose on a serious work".

The New York Times

Our intent was to give "Carrie" a second chance as a serious work and to introduce new young talent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing creative endeavors like books, films, or musical compositions, use "a serious work" to convey artistic merit and thematic depth, differentiating it from purely entertainment-focused pieces.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious work" to describe everyday tasks or casual projects. Reserve it for situations where the project genuinely demands significant intellectual or emotional investment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious work" functions as a pre-modified noun phrase, where 'serious' acts as an adjective qualifying the noun 'work'. It identifies a particular instance of 'work' that demands attention and consideration, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Books

25%

Arts

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious work" is a phrase used to describe endeavors of substantial depth, importance, and significance. It is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news, media, arts, and literature. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness for indicating something deserving thoughtful consideration, distinguishing it from trivial or superficial undertakings. While versatile, it is best reserved for situations involving genuine intellectual or emotional investment. Related phrases, such as "a profound creation" or "a significant undertaking", offer alternative ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound creation

This emphasizes the depth and impact of the work, particularly in artistic or intellectual contexts.

a considered piece

This emphasizes the thoughtful and deliberate approach to creating the work.

a significant undertaking

This alternative focuses on the effort and commitment involved, emphasizing the project's importance.

a thoughtful composition

This is particularly applicable to artistic or musical creations, stressing the careful arrangement of elements.

an earnest project

This highlights the sincerity and dedication behind the work.

a substantial effort

This highlights the magnitude and dedication required to complete the work.

a deep study

This is suitable for academic contexts, focusing in the thorough and analytic nature of the work.

a weighty endeavor

This conveys the sense of importance and potential consequences associated with the work.

a significant contribution

This highlights the lasting value and impact of the work.

a major achievement

This highlights the work as a remarkable success or accomplishment.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious work" to describe something that requires great thought, skill, or effort. For example, "The novel is "a serious work" of literature that explores complex themes."

What phrases can I use instead of "a serious work"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant undertaking", "a profound creation", or "a deep study" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to describe a comedy film as "a serious work"?

While possible, it would be more appropriate to use "a serious work" to describe a drama, documentary, or artistic film with significant thematic depth. Comedy can be "a serious work" if it deals with themes that are serious.

When should I avoid using "a serious work"?

Avoid using "a serious work" when describing simple, everyday tasks or projects that do not require significant intellectual or emotional investment.