grave matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave matter" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to a serious situation or problem, such as in this example sentence: "This is a grave matter, and we must take immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

This is a grave matter".

The New York Times

"It is an extremely grave matter".

The New York Times

The Savile case was "a grave matter".

The Guardian

"This is a grave matter," Mr. Metzoquiari said.

The New York Times

The execution of two human beings is a grave matter.

The Guardian

"Accusations of complicity in that mass murder from responsible authorities are a grave matter," they wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The incongruity of offhand tone and grave subject matter is part of a fairly consistent worldview.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite its grave subject matter, Robinson is a light-hearted writer, which makes The Debt accessible and, well, almost fun to read.

Huffington Post

One on hand, the gulf between his grave subject matter and his unorthodox cinematic delivery has never been more profound, nor challenging.

Vice

The grave tales told in "Grave Matters" vary.

The New York Times - Arts

While fully engaged in the grave matters of Mississippi, Barbour retained strong links to the capital.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grave matter", ensure the context clearly establishes the seriousness of the situation. The phrase is often used to signal the need for careful consideration and decisive action.

Common error

Avoid using "grave matter" to describe minor inconveniences or trivial problems. Its impact is diminished when applied to situations that do not warrant a high degree of concern or urgency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it identifies something significant and concerning. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and suitable for different contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave matter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that signifies a serious or significant issue. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying a neutral to formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure the context justifies its serious connotation and avoid overuse in trivial situations. Consider alternatives like "serious issue" or "critical situation" for variety. Ludwig's examples demonstrate that "grave matter" is well-established and appropriate for describing situations that demand attention and careful consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious issue

Focuses on the problematic aspect of the situation.

serious concern

Emphasizes the worry or anxiety associated with the situation.

critical situation

Highlights the urgency and potential danger of the issue.

significant problem

Underlines the importance and potential impact of the matter.

weighty issue

Emphasizes the burden and importance associated with the topic.

momentous concern

Highlights the great consequence of the problem.

urgent issue

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the matter.

pressing problem

Highlights the need for immediate attention and action.

matter of great import

Emphasizes the importance and significance of the subject.

issue of utmost importance

Stresses the supreme significance and urgency of the matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave matter" to describe a serious issue or problem. For example, "The environmental damage caused by the oil spill is a "grave matter" that requires immediate attention".

What is a synonym for "grave matter"?

Synonyms for "grave matter" include "serious issue", "critical situation", or "significant problem". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "grave matter" in informal conversation?

While "grave matter" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, be mindful of your audience and the level of seriousness you wish to convey. In very casual settings, a simpler phrase might be more appropriate.

What makes something a "grave matter"?

A "grave matter" typically involves a situation with potentially severe consequences, significant impact, and a high degree of importance. It often implies the need for immediate and careful attention.