a very serious problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very serious problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a circumstance or situation that is causing a great deal of difficulty or concern. For example, "The high unemployment rate in our city is a very serious problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is a very serious problem.

The New York Times

"He has a very serious problem," Mr. Perepelytsya said.

The New York Times

"There is a very serious problem with confidence," he added.

Independent

Only 4percentthinknk loneliness is a very serious problem.

The New York Times

"It became a very serious problem," Ms. Ruben said.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a symptom of a very serious problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

New York City has a very serious problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Even 20percentt indicates a very serious problem".

The New York Times

"We don't have a very serious problem of conservation.

The New York Times

But back then I didn't think it was a very serious problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is a very serious problem in the new European architecture".These are important questions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a very serious problem", clearly define the scope and impact of the problem to ensure the audience understands its significance. Provide context and specific examples to illustrate the severity.

Common error

Avoid using "a very serious problem" when the issue is minor or easily resolvable. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Reserve it for situations with significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very serious problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies and characterizes an issue that is considered highly concerning, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very serious problem" is a commonly used phrase to highlight significant issues that demand attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal communications. While highly versatile, it’s crucial to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that truly warrant such a strong characterization. Remember to provide clear context and specific examples to reinforce the seriousness of the issue, and avoid overusing the phrase to maintain its impact. Be mindful of alternatives such as "a critical issue" or "a grave concern" to add nuance and avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "very serious" with "critical" implying urgency and importance.

a grave concern

Substitutes "problem" with "concern" and "very serious" with "grave" indicating deep worry.

a major crisis

Replaces "problem" with "crisis" and "very serious" with "major" suggesting a situation of high instability and danger.

a significant challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" and "very serious" with "significant" focusing on the difficulty rather than the negativity.

a pressing matter

Replaces "problem" with "matter" and "very serious" with "pressing" emphasizing the need for immediate attention.

a dire situation

Substitutes "problem" with "situation" and "very serious" with "dire", conveying extreme urgency and danger.

a troublesome affair

Replaces "problem" with "affair" and "very serious" with "troublesome", highlighting the difficulty and annoyance caused.

a weighty matter

Replaces "problem" with "matter" and "very serious" with "weighty" implying importance and the need for careful consideration.

a complex dilemma

Replaces "problem" with "dilemma" and "very serious" with "complex" focusing on the intricate and puzzling nature of the situation.

a thorny issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "very serious" with "thorny", highlighting the difficulties and potential conflicts involved.

FAQs

How can I use "a very serious problem" in a sentence?

You can use "a very serious problem" to describe situations that cause significant concern or have major negative impacts. For instance, "Climate change is "a very serious problem" facing the world today".

What are some alternatives to "a very serious problem"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a critical issue", "a grave concern", or "a major crisis" to convey a similar sense of importance and urgency.

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

Yes, "a very serious problem" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing significant issues that require attention and action. However, ensure the context warrants the use of such a strong phrase.

What makes "a very serious problem" different from "a serious problem"?

The addition of "very" intensifies the severity of the issue. While "a serious problem" indicates a significant concern, "a very serious problem" emphasizes that the issue is exceptionally critical and demands immediate attention.