explained gravely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "explained gravely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is conveying information in a serious or solemn manner. Example: "The doctor explained gravely that the situation was more serious than we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Clinical depression, a succession of doctors had explained gravely, patiently, defining his suffering.

The New Yorker

They faced charges of aggravated arson, "with a potential life sentence" as the clerk of court explained gravely.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Because if you miss a month," she explains gravely, "you have to pay them more".

The Guardian

Back in the leisure centre, one of the security guards explains, gravely, that when the last rapper came to town there was a fight in the car park.

The Guardian - Music

This work was No. 5 of an edition of five plus one artist's proof, the experts gravely explained.

The New York Times - Arts

Utility managers could address intermittency, Mr. Gravely explained, "with maybe half the amount of energy, if you have storage," than they would require using traditional generation.

The New York Times

When Pullman left for a moment to check the mail, Jude gravely explained that one of their two pug dogs, Nell, had been given her name because "she carries on like Nell Gwyn" — the merry whore of seventeenth-century London.

The New Yorker

There, a Cuban official took my passport and, an inky stamp poised at the ready, gravely explained his obligation to strike the opened page, knowing that this could get me in big trouble back home, as it is mostly illegal for Americans to visit Cuba.

The New York Times - Travel

He countered with $100, gravely explaining that the woeful-looking legs were actually quite rare, because they terminated in genuine "pattes du griffin" -- griffin paws.

The New York Times

The main talking head, Aviva's chief underwriting officer, Simon Warsop, gravely explains that in the last five years there have been 23,000 "accidents" involving bikes inside the M25.

The Guardian

They should look like Elle,' he told the New York Times, gravely explaining his idea apparently seized upon as he watched Clinton's inauguration to make politics appeal to the apolitical.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "explained gravely" when you want to emphasize the seriousness or importance of the information being conveyed. This phrase is particularly effective when describing situations that are somber or require careful consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "explained gravely" in everyday or lighthearted conversations. The phrase implies a level of seriousness that may be inappropriate or overdramatic in less formal settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "said seriously" or "explained carefully" in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explained gravely" functions as a verb phrase modifier, specifically an adverbial phrase modifying the verb "explained". It describes the manner in which the explanation was given, adding detail about the speaker's tone and the seriousness of the situation. As per Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "explained gravely" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, although relatively rare in occurrence. It is used to emphasize the serious or solemn manner in which information is conveyed, commonly found in contexts such as news media, business, and science. While appropriate for formal and professional settings, it may be less suitable for casual conversations. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of the phrase, suggesting it is most effective when highlighting the importance and gravity of the information being shared.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stated solemnly

Replaces "explained" with "stated" and "gravely" with "solemnly", both conveying seriousness.

articulated seriously

Replaces "explained" with "articulated" and "gravely" with "seriously", emphasizing the gravity of the explanation.

conveyed with gravity

Uses a prepositional phrase to describe the manner of conveying information, highlighting the seriousness.

expressed somberly

Replaces "explained" with "expressed" and "gravely" with "somberly", indicating a subdued and serious tone.

related in a serious tone

Rephrases the explanation as being related in a serious tone, shifting the focus to the tone of the communication.

remarked with solemnity

Uses "remarked" instead of "explained" and "solemnity" to highlight the formal and serious nature of the statement.

declared gravely

Replaces "explained" with "declared", suggesting a formal and serious announcement.

divulged somberly

Replaces "explained" with "divulged" and "gravely" with "somberly", implying the revelation of serious information.

communicated with gravitas

Uses "communicated" instead of "explained" and "gravitas" to emphasize the weight and importance of the message.

presented with a serious demeanor

Emphasizes the demeanor of the person explaining, rather than the act of explaining itself.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "explained gravely"?

When someone "explained gravely", it means they conveyed information in a serious, solemn, and often concerned manner. It suggests the topic was important and required careful attention.

What can I say instead of "explained gravely"?

You can use alternatives like "stated solemnly", "articulated seriously", or "conveyed with gravity" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "explained gravely" appropriate for all situations?

No, "explained gravely" is most appropriate for serious or formal situations. In casual contexts, it might sound overly dramatic. Consider using simpler alternatives in everyday conversations.

How does the tone of "explained gravely" differ from "explained simply"?

"Explained gravely" implies seriousness and concern, while "explained simply" focuses on clarity and ease of understanding. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the importance of the information or its accessibility.