grave hardship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave hardship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that causes significant suffering or difficulty, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "The sudden loss of income placed her family in a state of grave hardship, making it difficult to meet their basic needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Fifty were excused for cause by Judge George H. Barlow, be cause they had preconceived views on the case or because sequestered jury service would inflict a grave hardship on them.

The New York Times

He found work wherever he could, staying in barns or out in the forest, exposed to the elements and grave hardship.

Huffington Post

Though even grave hardship wouldn't seem to justify their acts of self-infection, at that particular moment in history, in a place where punk ideology was grounds for persecution, the Frikis still found themselves choosing to commit an otherwise unspeakable act.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Though he found only the gravest hardship and poverty during his wanderings, he made his way back to Mexico in 1536.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Back then he was also steering Yeshiva through grave financial hardship.

The New York Times

My father was set on finding that grave despite any hardship.

The New Yorker

A report released in March [pdf] by the UN refugee agency, which last year interviewed 404 unaccompanied or separated minors from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, found that "many of these displaced children faced grave danger and hardship in their countries of origin".

The Guardian

The lawsuit alleges that the U.S. government has violated the civil rights of American children and caused them "extreme, grave and irreparable hardship," ever since Congress reformed immigration priorities in 1996.

The Washington Post

Somewhat diminished at home by a disappointing re-election but still a prominent national figure, Mr. Cuomo is entering what is likely to be the most arduous year of his tenure, a year of grave austerity and government hardship.

The New York Times

A federal judge, in a case on cod and haddock fishing off New England, reversed her decision that she said could have caused "grave economic and social hardship" for fishing communities and inadequately protected fish.

The New York Times

The closure of Remploy factories will mean misery, hardship and a future of worsening health and early graves for some disabled workers who will be affected.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave hardship" to describe situations involving significant and often unavoidable suffering or difficulty, particularly in formal or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "grave hardship" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "tough time" or "difficult situation" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave hardship" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state of severe suffering or difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave hardship" is a noun phrase used to describe situations of significant suffering or adversity. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness, though its usage is relatively rare, appearing mostly in news and media or encyclopedic contexts. It is best suited for formal writing and professional communication, where it can effectively convey the seriousness of a difficult situation. While alternatives such as "severe adversity" or "extreme suffering" exist, "grave hardship" retains a distinct emphasis on the weight and unavoidability of the difficulty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe adversity

Replaces "hardship" with "adversity" emphasizing the challenging conditions.

extreme suffering

Replaces both words to focus on the intensity of the suffering.

serious privation

Uses more formal language to describe deprivation and lack of necessities.

acute distress

Focuses on the emotional and psychological impact of the hardship.

dire straits

An idiomatic expression indicating a very difficult situation.

desperate circumstances

Highlights the urgency and lack of options in the situation.

harsh conditions

Focuses on the severity of the environmental or situational factors.

significant tribulations

Replaces "hardship" with a word that suggests trials and suffering.

major difficulties

A more general term for significant problems.

considerable adversity

Similar to "severe adversity" but slightly less intense.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave hardship" to describe situations causing significant suffering or difficulty. For example: "The economic downturn caused many families to experience "grave hardship".".

What are some alternatives to "grave hardship"?

Consider using alternatives like "severe adversity", "extreme suffering", or "dire straits" depending on the specific context.

Is "grave hardship" appropriate for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "grave hardship" is more suited for formal writing or serious discussions. Simpler phrases might be better for casual conversation.

What kind of situations typically involve "grave hardship"?

"Grave hardship" often refers to situations involving financial difficulties, natural disasters, or severe personal losses that significantly impact someone's well-being.