grave development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or concerning situation or change that has occurred. Example: "The recent findings regarding climate change represent a grave development that requires immediate action from world leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The discipline of systems engineering, over the past five decades, has used a structured systematic approach to managing the "cradle to grave" development of products and processes.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

The battle over the Supreme Court nomination of Robert Bork revealed to the public a grave development that legal scholars had been observing for some time: a breakdown in consensus on the most basic American legal principles.

The New Yorker

He said the appearance of men carrying Russian weapons and wearing uniforms without insignia was a "grave development" and called on Russia to pull back its troops from Ukraine's border.

The Guardian

Ahmed Qureia, the Palestinian prime minister, said the US position would destroy the peace process, and Amr Moussa, secretary general of the Arab League, said America's unilateral redrawing of the road map was "a very grave development".

The Guardian

— Lincoln Caplan, Comment, October 28 , 1991The battle over the Supreme Court nomination of Robert Bork revealed to the public a grave development that legal scholars had been observing for some time: a breakdown in consensus on the most basic American legal principles.

The New Yorker

By Joshua Rothman December 19 , 2012The battle over the Supreme Court nomination of Robert Bork revealed to the public a grave development that legal scholars had been observing for some time: a breakdown in consensus on the most basic American legal principles.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

If France and Britain were to get involved, grave developments could bring Europe to a state of war, but would merely mean the virtual subjugation of Czechoslovakia to German rule.

The New York Times

They are trusted to deliver the news to the public through television screens, with a sombre tone for grave developments and perhaps a wry smile for an amusing "and finally" pay-off.

The Times

Kathryn McDowell, the LSO's managing director, called it a "cradle-to-grave" audience development idea, put together with a company called Baby IQ. "If you introduce people to music [when they are] toddlers, then perhaps later they come to family concerts or get involved in an LSO education project.

The Guardian

I&apos m being as candid as I can". The president then informs an aide, "It sounds like he said I should bomb Afghanistan". Behind much of this lay the uneasy sense that in losing many people's respect, the president and his administration had become fair game for parody even on a day of grave international developments.

The New York Times

Instead, Hempstead officials have signaled grave skepticism about development on the waterfront.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grave development", ensure the context clearly establishes the serious or concerning nature of the situation being described. Avoid using it for minor or insignificant events.

Common error

Avoid using "grave development" to describe trivial or mildly concerning situations. Save it for truly serious issues to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave development" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "grave" modifies the noun "development". Ludwig AI confirms it's used to describe a serious or concerning situation. It typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave development" is a phrase used to describe a serious or concerning situation. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. It's considered grammatically correct, though relatively uncommon, appearing most frequently in news and media contexts. When employing the phrase, ensure that the situation warrants such serious characterization, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Related phrases include "serious turn of events" and "alarming trend". While correct and understandable, "grave development" carries a level of formality suitable for professional and academic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious turn of events

Emphasizes the change in circumstances toward a negative outcome.

alarming trend

Highlights the direction and potential consequences of the unfolding situation.

concerning situation

Focuses on the worrying nature of the present circumstances.

critical juncture

Indicates a crucial point requiring immediate attention.

dire situation

Highlights the severity and urgency of the circumstances.

perilous situation

Emphasizes the danger and risk involved in the existing circumstances.

severe setback

Indicates a significant negative impact or reversal.

troubling issue

Focuses on the problematic and concerning aspect of the matter.

ominous sign

Highlights the predictive nature of a current event towards a negative future.

major cause for concern

Emphasizes significance and worry associated with the subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave development" to describe a serious or concerning situation. For instance, "The increase in unemployment is a "grave development" for the local economy."

What phrases can I use instead of "grave development"?

Alternatives to "grave development" include phrases like "serious turn of events", "alarming trend", or "concerning situation", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "grave development"?

"Grave development" is appropriate when describing a situation that poses a significant threat or concern, indicating a serious negative change or potential consequences.

Is "grave development" a formal or informal expression?

"Grave development" is a relatively formal expression, best suited for news reports, academic papers, or professional communications. Less formal contexts might call for alternatives like "serious problem" or "big issue".