an emergency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an emergency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a serious, unexpected situation that requires immediate action or attention. Example: "In case of an emergency, please call 911 for assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was an emergency.

The New York Times

This was an emergency.

The New York Times

"This is an emergency".

The New York Times

I have an emergency.

The New York Times

We are declaring an emergency".

Independent

Hiring an emergency preparedness consultant?

The New York Times

9) Build an emergency fund.

Independent

We made an emergency landing.

The New York Times

In an emergency, call 999.

Independent

Collectively, they constitute an emergency.

The New York Times

"It's an emergency," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "an emergency", ensure that the context clearly indicates the urgency and the need for immediate action. Use specific details to highlight the severity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "an emergency" for situations that are merely inconvenient or routine. Overusing the term can diminish its impact and credibility when a genuine emergency arises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an emergency" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a situation that demands immediate attention due to its unexpected and potentially dangerous nature. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

31%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an emergency" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote a serious situation demanding immediate action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly across diverse contexts, primarily in news, media, and general informational content. While versatile, it's crucial to reserve it for genuine emergencies to maintain its impact and avoid diluting its significance. Consider context-appropriate alternatives like "crisis situation" or "urgent matter" when the situation isn't life-threatening. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate the urgency and severity of a situation when using the phrase "an emergency".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a crisis situation

Replaces "emergency" with "crisis situation" to emphasize the severity and potential danger.

a critical situation

Substitutes "emergency" with "critical situation", highlighting the importance and potential consequences.

an urgent matter

Replaces "emergency" with "urgent matter" to focus on the need for immediate attention.

a pressing issue

Uses "pressing issue" instead of "emergency" to convey a sense of importance and requiring prompt action.

a dire circumstance

Employs "dire circumstance" to indicate a severe and desperate situation.

an acute need

Replaces "emergency" with "acute need" to emphasize the immediate requirement for something.

a hazardous event

Substitutes "emergency" with "hazardous event", focusing on the potential danger and risk involved.

a contingency

Uses "contingency" to refer to a possible future event or circumstance that requires preparation.

a predicament

Replaces "emergency" with "predicament" to describe a difficult or unpleasant situation.

an unforeseen crisis

Adds "unforeseen" to "crisis" to highlight the unexpected nature of the emergency.

FAQs

How can I use "an emergency" in a sentence?

You can use "an emergency" to describe a situation requiring immediate attention. For example, "In "case of an emergency", call 911" or "The hospital is equipped to handle "any emergency" situation."

What are some alternatives to "an emergency"?

Some alternatives to "an emergency" include "a crisis", "a critical situation", or "an urgent matter", depending on the specific context.

When should I use "an emergency" instead of "an urgency"?

"An emergency" implies a serious and often unexpected event requiring immediate action, while "an urgency" suggests a pressing need or importance but not necessarily a critical or life-threatening situation.

Is it appropriate to describe a minor inconvenience as "an emergency"?

No, using "an emergency" to describe a minor inconvenience is an exaggeration and can diminish the seriousness of genuine emergencies. Reserve the term for situations that pose a significant risk or require immediate intervention. For example, a flat tire isn't an "emergency", but a car accident requiring medical attention is.