a very serious question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very serious question" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing a topic that requires careful consideration or is of significant importance. Example: "Before we proceed, I have a very serious question regarding the project's direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

That's a very serious question.

Independent

I have a very serious question.

The New York Times

"This is a very serious question," Ambassador Christopher Meyer said.

The New York Times

The law will pose a "very serious question of conscience, which doctors will have to face".

The New York Times

I mean this is a very serious question for the opposition.

The Guardian

Ball Don't Lie answers a very serious question: Who even plays for the 76ers now?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

"It raises a very, very serious question: To what extent are the Chinese people afraid of their police anymore?" In parts of the Uighur quarter and in poorer, mixed areas of south Urumqi, young Uighur men with sticks, knives and stones went on a bloody rampage for about five hours while police officers remained mostly absent, according to interviews with dozens of residents.

The New York Times

Instead of pursuing this plain remedy for injustice that may have been done by the trial judge and securing by an appellate court a review of this very serious question on the merits, they sought by applying to a single judge of only coordinate authority for a writ of habeas corpus to release the petitioner on the ground that the trial judge was without jurisdiction to make the decision he did.

Cornell University

Though framed as a joke, this question raised the very serious question of Russia after Putin, while emphasizing his irreplaceability.

The Washington Post

In his note on Tuesday, Father Lombardi said that the church had made a good start in addressing the "very serious question" of sexual abuse of minors, investigating the accusations and showing concern for the victims.

The New York Times

"There are some very serious question marks about whether others will ever really happen in practice and whether they are deliverable.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a very serious question", ensure the context clearly reflects the gravity of the issue to maintain credibility and engage your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a very serious question" when the matter is not genuinely significant, as it can diminish the phrase's impact and make your writing seem melodramatic. Instead, reserve it for issues of considerable importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very serious question" functions as an introduction to a topic requiring careful consideration or carrying significant implications. It highlights the gravity of the issue being raised. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a very serious question" is a phrase used to introduce a topic demanding careful consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely reflects the gravity of the issue to maintain credibility. While versatile, avoid overusing it in trivial situations to preserve its impact. Semantically related alternatives include "a grave matter" or "a critical inquiry". Overall, it's a powerful tool for highlighting important issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant concern

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the issue.

a vital issue

Underscores the essential nature and potential impact on core functions or values.

a critical inquiry

Focuses on the importance of thorough investigation and analysis.

a pressing issue

Indicates the urgency and need for immediate attention.

a crucial point

Emphasizes the importance of a specific aspect within a larger discussion.

a grave matter

Emphasizes the severity and potential consequences of the issue at hand.

a profound question

Highlights the depth and complexity of the inquiry.

a weighty problem

Implies the issue carries significant consequences and demands careful consideration.

a fundamental problem

Focuses on the root causes and underlying issues.

a dire predicament

Highlights the extremely urgent and serious nature of a situation, often implying a negative outcome.

FAQs

How can I effectively introduce "a very serious question" in writing?

Begin by setting the stage with context that highlights the significance of the issue, then clearly state "a very serious question" to emphasize its importance.

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

You can use alternatives like "a grave matter", "a critical inquiry", or "a significant concern depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a very serious question" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "a very serious question" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when addressing issues of substantial importance. However, ensure the tone and context align with the gravity of the subject.

When should I avoid using "a very serious question"?

Avoid using "a very serious question" in casual or trivial contexts. It's best reserved for situations where the subject genuinely demands careful consideration and carries significant implications.