grave circumstances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave circumstances" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe serious or critical situations that require urgent attention or action. Example: "The organization had to make difficult decisions due to the grave circumstances surrounding the financial crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 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

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 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

Even in the gravest circumstances, we remain free, we can make a conscious choice.

Huffington Post

After all, American Jews have long made solidarity trips to Israel no matter how grave the circumstances, and the inclusion of Germany might be a selling point.

The New York Times

Studies have shown that even in the gravest of circumstances, patients prefer accurate and honest information.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave circumstances" to convey a sense of urgency and importance, prompting readers to take the situation seriously. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing and reports.

Common error

While "grave circumstances" effectively conveys seriousness, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "dire situation" or "critical situation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave circumstances" functions as a noun phrase, where "grave" modifies the noun "circumstances". This phrase typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence or clause, describing a situation characterized by significant seriousness or danger, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave circumstances" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a seriously critical situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a noun phrase and is typically used to emphasize the severity and potential negative consequences of a situation. While versatile, it appears most frequently in "news & media", "wiki", and "science" contexts. To avoid overuse, consider employing synonyms such as "dire situation" or "critical situation". When writing, ensure that the context clearly establishes the seriousness of the situation and use the phrase to convey urgency and importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dire situation

Focuses on the extremely serious and urgent nature of the situation.

critical situation

Highlights the precarious and decisive nature of the circumstances.

serious predicament

Emphasizes the difficult and troublesome aspects of the situation.

perilous times

Stresses the danger and risk associated with the current period.

urgent situation

Highlights the need for immediate action due to the severity of the circumstances.

precarious situation

Focuses on the instability and uncertainty of the circumstances.

severe conditions

Underscores the harsh and difficult aspects of the circumstances.

exigent circumstances

Emphasizes the pressing and demanding nature of the situation, requiring immediate action.

troubled times

Indicates a period marked by difficulties and unrest.

desperate situation

Highlights the extreme urgency and hopelessness of the circumstances.

FAQs

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

"Grave circumstances" is used to describe very serious situations. For example, "The hospital was operating under "grave circumstances" due to the pandemic."

What are some synonyms for "grave circumstances"?

Alternatives include "dire situation", "critical situation", or "serious predicament". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "grave circumstances" in informal writing?

While "grave circumstances" is more common in formal writing, it can be used in informal contexts if you want to emphasize the seriousness of a situation. However, simpler language may be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "grave circumstances" and "serious situation"?

"Grave circumstances" implies a higher degree of severity and potential danger compared to "serious situation". "Grave" emphasizes the significant and potentially disastrous nature of the situation.