emergency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "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

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After all, you just go to an emergency room".

The New York Times

Emergency services said on Friday the decision had been made because of the danger posed by flying debris in the predicted strong winds.

The Guardian

"Can the government require you to buy a cell phone because that would facilitate responding when you need emergency services?

The Guardian

The first minister has called for an emergency debate on the issue in the Northern Ireland assembly on Friday.

The Guardian

A November report by a British thinktank noted a rise in close military encounters between Russia and the west this year, including "violations of national airspace, emergency scrambles, narrowly avoided mid-air collisions, close encounters at sea, simulated attack runs and other dangerous actions happening on a regular basis over a very wide geographical area".

The Guardian

The UN is not the obvious forum for discussing debt restructuring: unlike the International Monetary Fund, it is not a lender of last resort with emergency cash to disburse, and doesn't have a seat around the table when countries have to go to their creditors to ask for help.

The Guardian - Business

Related: World Health Organisation 'intentionally delayed declaring Ebola emergency' As of 18 March, the death toll from Ebola in west Africa was 10,251, with one new case on Friday in Liberia breaking the country's 42-day countdown to Ebola-free status.

The Guardian

The most expensive subsidized health care is emergency room care.

The Guardian

Plibersek and the opposition's health spokeswoman, Catherine King, wrote to ministers on Thursday saying Australia could not afford to keep standing by as the world confronted "the most serious health emergency of the modern era".

The Guardian

Often the only source of emergency cash is loan sharks, increasingly big business in Kenya, with borrowers signing ambiguous photocopied contracts and tying themselves into interest rates of 50% or more.

The Guardian

Initial assessments found the airstrip sustained "minor to light" damage, and is open to medical emergency aircraft but not public flights.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "emergency" in contexts where immediate action is required to prevent harm or mitigate damage. Avoid using it for situations that are merely inconvenient or undesirable.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the severity of a situation by labeling it an "emergency" when it does not pose an immediate risk. Misusing the term can diminish its impact and create unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "emergency" is as a noun, denoting a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it aptly describes scenarios needing prompt intervention, aligning with its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "emergency" is a common and widely understood noun used to describe situations that demand immediate attention and action. As Ludwig AI states, its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across contexts such as news, business, and general communication solidify its place in the English lexicon. When using "emergency", ensure that the context justifies the sense of urgency and immediacy the word conveys. Consider alternatives like "urgent situation" or "crisis" when the situation is less critical. Be mindful of the potential to overuse the term, as this can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Urgent situation

Focuses on the immediate need for action.

Crisis

Emphasizes the severity and potential danger of the situation.

Exigency

Highlights the demanding and pressing nature of the circumstances.

Critical incident

Refers to a specific event that demands immediate response.

Distress call

Focuses on the plea for help in a perilous situation.

Time-sensitive matter

Highlights the importance of addressing the issue promptly.

Pressing need

Emphasizes the urgency and necessity of addressing a particular requirement.

Critical juncture

Suggests a pivotal moment requiring decisive action.

Sudden crisis

Highlights the unexpected nature of the difficult and dangerous situation.

State of alert

Indicates a heightened level of readiness for immediate action.

FAQs

How to use "emergency" in a sentence?

You can use "emergency" to describe a situation requiring immediate action. For example: "In case of an emergency, break the glass", or "The hospital's emergency room was overcrowded".

What can I say instead of "emergency"?

You can use alternatives like "urgent situation", "crisis", or "exigency" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "emergency situation" or "urgent situation"?

Both phrases are correct, but "emergency situation" implies a higher level of immediate danger and the need for a response compared to an "urgent situation".

What's the difference between "emergency" and "crisis"?

"Emergency" typically refers to a sudden, unexpected event that requires immediate action, while "crisis" often describes a longer-term situation that may involve multiple emergencies and require strategic planning.