grave case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a serious or critical situation, often in legal, medical, or moral contexts. Example: "The court is currently reviewing a grave case that could set a precedent for future rulings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But his focus in this grave case was not only self-serving, it was shamelessly distorted.

The New York Times - Sports

But now the faithful — liberals, for the most part — seemed to be suffering a grave case of disappointed expectations.

The New Yorker

Prosecutor Achim von Engel described the case as a "particularly grave case of tax evasion", calling for five and a half years in prison.

The Guardian - Sport

Walsh and Pearl head into the future, but part of their future's relative brightness rests on her apparent whiteness, a moral conundrum that afflicts her with a grave case of that twentieth-century complaint, liberal guilt.

The New Yorker

First, because supermarkets build their systems around shipping food long distances around the country, using practices that result in vast amounts of waste – as the Guardian reported in the grave case of Prince Charles' carrots.

The Guardian

Judge Justice King said the matter "was and is a grave case" whereby the defendant took an axe and "on any view brutally killed the two victims".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

From what we've learned, this is a very, very grave, serious case".

The New York Times

They are all grave cases.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Increasingly," he says, "counseling centers on college campuses will need to deal with long-term and grave cases as well".

The New York Times

First, it is seen as a vehicle for counsel to put before the fact-finder - in grave cases, a jury - his client's version of events.

The Guardian

Rights activists have long complained that officials acted with impunity in grave cases, like the death of Sandro Girgvliani, a bank executive who was abducted by law enforcement officers in 2006 after an altercation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that "grave case" is followed by specific details to highlight its gravity. For example, specify the type of case (e.g., tax evasion, human rights violation) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "grave case" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or out of place; simpler phrases like "serious problem" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave case" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object within a sentence. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase typically describes a situation or matter of significant seriousness or importance. It's correctness is supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave case" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that denotes a matter of significant seriousness. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the examples show it's frequently used in legal, ethical, or medical contexts. While "grave case" is recognized as valid for use, it is more suitable for neutral and formal environments. When considering a replacement for "grave case", you might want to consider "serious situation" or "critical matter", depending on the specific tone and the message you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious situation

Focuses on the severity of the circumstances, omitting the legal or procedural aspect of "case".

critical matter

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the issue, less specific than "case".

severe instance

Highlights the intensity and impact of a specific event or occurrence.

acute situation

Indicates a sudden and intense problem, differing from the potentially prolonged nature of a "case".

dire circumstances

Stresses the negative and desperate nature of the conditions.

alarming development

Focuses on the concerning progression of events rather than the event itself.

pressing issue

Highlights the urgent need for resolution, differing from the investigative tone of "case".

weighty affair

Implies significant consequences and responsibility, less formal than "case".

substantial matter

Highlights the considerable significance or size of an issue

significant event

Focuses on the noteworthiness and importance of an incident.

FAQs

What does "grave case" mean?

A "grave case" refers to a situation or matter that is extremely serious, critical, or concerning, often involving significant consequences or implications. It suggests a situation demanding immediate and careful attention.

What are some synonyms for "grave case"?

Synonyms for "grave case" include "serious situation", "critical matter", or "severe instance". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "grave case" in a sentence?

You might say, "The prosecutor described the matter as a "grave case" of tax evasion", or "The doctor diagnosed it as a "grave case" of pneumonia".

Is "grave case" a formal expression?

Yes, "grave case" leans towards the formal side. In less formal contexts, using a phrase like "serious problem" or "critical situation" might be more appropriate.