grave circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

"grave circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a very serious or worrying situation. For example, "The family was facing a grave circumstance, as their home had been severely damaged by a storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

While many of the songs seem to allude to Zevon's grave circumstance, it's important to remember that he has always written about mortality: one of his early hits was "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead".

The New Yorker

To help remedy this grave circumstance, a Vancouver man who goes by the name Justin Credible founded a charitable venture to provide aid to those in need.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

While respecting the authority of member states, the African Union does make provision for intervention in grave circumstances.

The New York Times

The law states that such weddings can only be approved by the French president "in grave circumstances".

The Guardian

There is no clear limiting principle on the idea that corporations are religion-bearing entities whose beliefs cannot be infringed under all but the most grave circumstances.

The Economist

But a man who has repeatedly irked the kingdom is missing under grave circumstances after entering one of its diplomatic compounds.

The Washington Post

The AU's Constitutive Act included a provision for "the right of the Union to intervene in a member state pursuant to a decision of the [AU] assembly in respect of grave circumstances, namely: war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity".

The Economist

Throughout lower Manhattan rescue workers face similarly grave circumstances with equanimity thanks in part to the tremendous support from New York's residents.

Forbes

Hunting pandas can lead to a 10-year sentence - or, in what the Chinese government calls "grave circumstances", life imprisonment or even a death sentence can be applied.

BBC

The finale of that game illustrated exactly why Bolton faced such grave circumstances heading into this game as a mixture of naivety and ineptitude meant they failed to see out a game that was all-but won.

BBC

"There was no conscientious objection on behalf of the doctor that intervened in this case because there was no voluntary termination of the pregnancy, but (the miscarriage) was forced by the grave circumstances," he told the Ansa news agency.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave circumstance" when you want to convey a sense of significant seriousness and potential negative consequences. It's suitable for formal writing and discussions about important matters.

Common error

Avoid using "grave circumstance" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in such settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "serious situation" or "difficult time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave circumstance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "grave" modifies the noun "circumstance", emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave circumstance" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a significantly serious situation. While Ludwig confirms its validity, the analysis shows it's relatively rare and leans toward Neutral formality, often appearing in News & Media sources. Alternatives such as "serious situation" or "critical condition" may be more appropriate depending on the context and desired level of formality. Remember to avoid overusing "grave circumstance" in informal settings, as it can sound overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious situation

Emphasizes the overall seriousness of the situation without necessarily implying imminent danger.

critical condition

Highlights the severity and potential for rapid deterioration of a person's health or a system's stability.

dire straits

Implies extreme difficulty and hardship, often with a sense of desperation.

perilous situation

Focuses on the dangers and risks involved in the circumstance.

precarious state

Suggests instability and a high risk of collapse or failure.

hazardous circumstances

Highlights the presence of potential hazards and dangers.

desperate situation

Emphasizes the lack of hope and the need for urgent action.

acute crisis

Indicates a sudden and severe problem requiring immediate attention.

critical juncture

Signifies a turning point where decisions have significant consequences.

urgent predicament

Stresses the need for immediate resolution of a difficult situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave circumstance" to describe a serious or worrying situation. For example: "The company's financial difficulties presented a "grave circumstance" for its employees."

What are some alternatives to "grave circumstance"?

Alternatives include "serious situation", "critical condition", or "dire straits", depending on the specific context.

Is "grave circumstance" formal or informal?

"Grave circumstance" is generally considered a formal phrase, best suited for serious or professional contexts. Using it in casual conversation might sound overly dramatic.

Which is more appropriate, "grave circumstance" or "serious situation"?

The best choice depends on the level of formality and the degree of severity you want to convey. "Grave circumstance" suggests a more severe and potentially dangerous situation than "serious situation".