a severe crisis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a severe crisis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is extremely serious or critical, often involving significant difficulties or challenges. Example: "The country is facing a severe crisis due to the economic downturn and rising unemployment rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In my book Bouncing Forward I explore the new science of posttraumatic growth and I spoke with several people who took a severe crisis as a turning point in their lives to find more meaning, but this is not easy.

HuffPost

The District is in the midst of what Berns called a "severe crisis" of unclear origin, although the severely cold weather and the drop in affordable housing in the city are thought to be factors.

The Washington Post

"Italy faces a severe crisis that is exponential.

The Guardian - Business

"It is a leadership dealing with a severe crisis.

The Washington Post

They have slumped to 14th spot and remain in a severe crisis.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, N.J. faces a severe crisis in the electronics business where he is a partner.

The Guardian - Film

This kind of disagreement may signal, as some argue, a severe crisis in church authority.

The New York Times

The district attorney's office faced a severe crisis of confidence under Jordan.

The Guardian

It usually takes a severe crisis to bring about systemic change.

The New York Times

The kingdom's educational system is gripped by a severe crisis that the monarchy is not willing to address.

The Guardian - Opinion

And their failure could hardly have pushed the global economy into a severe crisis followed by protracted recession.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a severe crisis", ensure the context clearly establishes what is threatened or negatively impacted by the crisis. For example, specify "a severe economic crisis" or "a severe health crisis".

Common error

Avoid pairing "a severe crisis" with redundant or weak adjectives. For instance, phrases like "a very severe crisis" can sound repetitive. Choose stronger nouns or verbs to emphasize the intensity of the crisis instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a severe crisis" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It is used to identify a particularly acute and challenging situation. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a severe crisis" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an intensely difficult situation. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely used and understood. It's particularly prevalent in news and media, but also finds application in academic and business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the specific nature of the crisis is clear to avoid ambiguity. While "a severe crisis" is already strong, avoid redundant adjectives like "very" to maintain impact. Consider using alternatives like "a critical situation" or "a major emergency" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical situation

Emphasizes the urgency and potential for negative outcomes, focusing on the importance of the moment.

a major emergency

Highlights the need for immediate action and resources to address an unexpected event.

a dire predicament

Focuses on the difficulty and hopelessness of the situation, suggesting a lack of easy solutions.

a grave situation

Stresses the seriousness and potential for significant negative consequences.

an acute emergency

Emphasizes the sudden and intense nature of the crisis, requiring swift response.

a perilous time

Highlights the risks and dangers involved, focusing on the potential for harm.

a difficult juncture

Focuses on the challenging turning point, emphasizing the need for careful decision-making.

a trying period

Emphasizes the hardship and stress associated with the crisis, highlighting its impact on those involved.

a crucial moment

Highlights the importance of the present time, emphasizing that decisions made now will have lasting effects.

a decisive point

Focuses on the need for strong and effective action to resolve the crisis and determine future outcomes.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a severe crisis"?

You can use alternatives like "a critical situation", "a major emergency", or "a dire predicament" depending on the context.

How do I use "a severe crisis" in a sentence?

Use "a severe crisis" to describe a situation marked by extreme difficulty, danger, or instability. For example, "The nation is facing a severe crisis due to the pandemic."

Which is correct, "a severe crisis" or "a serious crisis"?

Both "a severe crisis" and "a serious crisis" are correct, but "a severe crisis" implies a greater degree of intensity and potential for negative consequences than "a serious crisis".

What's the difference between "a crisis" and "a severe crisis"?

While "a crisis" denotes a difficult or dangerous situation, adding the adjective "severe" intensifies the gravity of the situation, indicating it is extremely critical and poses significant challenges.