existential proportions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "existential proportions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has significant or profound implications, often related to existence or the human condition. Example: "The debate over climate change has reached existential proportions, affecting not just our environment but the future of humanity itself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And the fact that, in a crisis of existential proportions, the press has failed to come up with a credible, robust, autonomous, well-funded, new self-regulatory system is almost beyond parody.

The Guardian

With bailout funds expiring on 28 February, keeping Greece afloat and in the single currency – while not being seen to ditch the anti-austerity platform on which Syriza was elected – has been a balancing act of almost existential proportions.

The Guardian

In my lifetime, though, the human family has stared down the barrel of two additional crises of existential proportions: the Cuban Missile Crisis and climate destabilization, the latter of which is ongoing.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This was nonsense with an existential dimension.

Independent

Media's existential crisis is taking on new proportions.

The Guardian

Canada has already been called the existential state; now we are headed for an existential funk of Samuel Beckett proportions, like getting condemned to a penalty box with no exit.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their crisis is existential.

The Economist

Existential compromises fascinated Crane.

The New Yorker

Cattrall: "It's existential".

The New Yorker

"I was very existential.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's existential.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrases like "profound significance" or "critical dimensions" if the context doesn't strictly involve a threat to existence.

Common error

Avoid using "existential proportions" to describe everyday challenges or minor setbacks. This phrase should be reserved for situations with genuinely far-reaching and potentially devastating consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "existential proportions" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (usually "crisis", "threat", or "problem"). It amplifies the scale and significance of the noun it modifies, indicating that the matter at hand has implications for fundamental existence. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "existential proportions" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression used to describe situations with significant and profound implications for existence. According to Ludwig AI, while the expression itself is correct and usable, it is important to consider that it is most often found in news and media contexts and should be reserved for situations that truly pose a fundamental threat, avoiding overuse in less critical scenarios. Related phrases like "profound significance" or "critical dimensions" can be suitable alternatives depending on the specific context and desired level of impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

momentous significance

Highlights the historical importance and weight of something, instead of its threat to existence.

critical magnitude

Highlights the crucial nature and scale of something, often suggesting a turning point.

paramount importance

Emphasizes the supreme importance of something, lacking the existential threat component.

fundamental magnitude

Focuses on the underlying significance or importance of something, rather than its direct impact on existence.

far-reaching implications

Stresses the broad and extensive effects of something, moving away from the existential focus.

profound scale

Emphasizes the depth and breadth of something, differing from the existential aspect.

life-altering impact

Focuses on the transformative power on an individual's life, rather than broader existence.

sweeping consequences

Focuses on the widespread impact of something, whereas "existential proportions" implies a threat to fundamental existence.

ultimate consequence

Shifts the focus to the final outcome or result, rather than the inherent nature of the situation.

grave seriousness

Highlights the weighty and solemn nature of something, rather than an existential crisis.

FAQs

What does "existential proportions" mean?

The phrase "existential proportions" describes a situation or crisis that threatens fundamental aspects of existence, such as survival, core values, or essential ways of life. It implies a significant and profound impact.

When is it appropriate to use "existential proportions" in writing?

Use "existential proportions" when discussing issues that pose a fundamental threat to existence. This could include climate change, large-scale political instability, or threats to cultural identity. Ensure the context warrants such a serious description.

What are some alternatives to "existential proportions"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use alternatives such as "profound significance", "critical dimensions", or "fundamental magnitude". These phrases can convey a similar sense of importance without the explicit existential threat.

Is "existential proportions" formal or informal language?

"Existential proportions" leans towards formal and serious language. It is best suited for analytical or descriptive writing where a high level of impact needs to be conveyed with precision. Avoid it in casual conversation.