grave decision

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave decision" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a serious or weighty decision that carries significant consequences. Example: "The board of directors was faced with a grave decision on whether to merge with the rival company, as it would greatly impact the future of the company and its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

THE Connecticut Supreme Court has denied a young woman suffering from Hodgkin Lymphoma the right to refuse chemotherapy on the grounds that the 17-year-old lacks the maturity to make such a grave decision.

The Economist

But Mr Miliband said: "I'm clear that this is a very grave decision to take military action that the House of Commons would be making and I didn't think that that decision should be made on an artificial timetable.

Independent

It is a grave decision, at a time when Iraq's disarmament is under way and the inspections have proved to be a credible alternative method of disarming that country.

The New York Times

He added: "I'm clear that this is a very grave decision to take military action that the House of Commons would be making and I didn't think that that decision should be made on an artificial timetable when the House of Commons wouldn't even have seen the evidence today from the UN weapons inspectors".

Independent

For members of the Western alliance "to go into open opposition" on a matter like Security Council resolution No. 1441, which clearly frames a war issue affecting American security after the Sept. 11 attacks, "that's a very grave decision," Mr.. Kissinger said.

The New York Times

Mr. Carino said that the old juvenile justice statutes viewed the transfer of a child's case to Superior Court as a grave decision, and so required a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances of the juvenile offender's life, with an eye toward treatment and rehabilitation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Of course these are serious problems for families facing grave decisions for their loved ones.

The New York Times - Arts

They must make grave decisions collectively, something that many find stressful.

The New York Times

Mr. Schäuble told legislators Tuesday that public spending would be cut in 2011 and "grave decisions lie ahead".

The New York Times

Mayor Abraham D. Beame returned to Gracie Mansion early to confer with fellow formally attired city officials, then slept fitfully, knowing the grave decisions he faced the next morning.

The New York Times

Hollywood may still dominate the global box office, but foreign territories have proved unusually loyal to local product over the past year, with the US ceding its stranglehold overseas to homegrown hits such as South Korea's The Host (which did double the business of Mission: Impossible III on its home turf), Russia's Day Watch, Germany's Grave Decisions and Mexico's Km 31.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grave decision", ensure the context clearly indicates the serious and significant consequences associated with the decision.

Common error

Avoid using "grave decision" to describe trivial choices. Reserve it for situations with genuinely significant and potentially life-altering impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave decision" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "grave" modifies the noun "decision". This combination emphasizes the seriousness and weight of the decision being made, indicating significant potential consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2.5%

Reference

2.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave decision" signifies a serious and weighty choice with significant implications. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. It is commonly found in news and media contexts, reflecting its use in describing high-stakes situations. While not exceedingly common, the phrase effectively communicates the gravity of a decision. Using "grave decision" appropriately involves reserving it for scenarios where the consequences are genuinely substantial and potentially far-reaching. Alternatives such as "momentous choice" or "critical determination" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consequential decision

Direct synonym emphasizing the resulting impact of the decision.

momentous choice

Emphasizes the importance and potential impact of the choice.

critical determination

Highlights the decisiveness and importance of the determination made.

significant judgment

Focuses on the importance and consequence of the judgment.

serious resolution

Emphasizes the solemnity and weightiness of the resolution.

weighty conclusion

Stresses the substantial impact of the final decision.

pivotal selection

Highlights the turning-point nature of the selection made.

crucial call

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the decision made.

vital ruling

Stresses the importance and potential impact of the ruling.

far-reaching choice

Highlights the extensive impact of the choice.

FAQs

What does "grave decision" mean?

A "grave decision" refers to a serious and important decision with significant consequences. It often implies a situation where the stakes are high and the outcome could have a lasting impact.

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

You can use "grave decision" to describe a turning point or a moment of critical importance. For example, "The president faced a "grave decision" regarding whether to intervene in the conflict."

What are some alternatives to "grave decision"?

Alternatives to "grave decision" include "momentous choice", "critical determination", or "significant judgment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "grave decision" versus "important decision"?

"Grave decision" is more appropriate when the decision carries extremely serious or potentially life-altering consequences, while "important decision" can be used for choices that have significant but not necessarily dire implications.