grave problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"grave problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to describe something that is very serious and potentially worrisome. For example, "The country is facing a grave problem with its failing economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have a grave problem, I think".

The New York Times

A grave problem, it seemed, could no longer be denied.

The Guardian

Therefore, more research is required to design solutions to tackle this grave problem.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

It's true that black-on-black violence is an exceptionally grave problem.

The New York Times

If children are unraveling to this extent, it's a grave problem.

The New York Times

Toxicity from radiation therapy is a grave problem for cancer patients.

Stanford University

Federal education policy has a bounded impact; global warming remains a grave problem.

The Washington Post

Alcohol later became a grave problem, however, and John eventually quit drinking altogether.

The Guardian - Books

"Prolonged isolation of individuals in jails and prisons is a grave problem in the United States," the statement said.

The New York Times

In the second half of the 12th century, heresy had become a grave problem in southern France.

Britannica

This poses a grave problem and calls into question whether the food processed in the plant qualifies as kosher.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave problem" to emphasize the seriousness of a situation, especially when the issue has significant consequences or requires immediate attention.

Common error

While "grave problem" is appropriate for serious discussions, avoid using it in casual conversation where a less formal phrase would be more suitable. For example, you should not use it to describe a minor inconvenience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It serves to identify a situation that is considered extremely serious. Ludwig examples show this phrase used across diverse contexts to denote critical issues requiring attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave problem" is a commonly used expression to describe a situation of significant seriousness and potential negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in formal and neutral contexts. Analysis of various sources reveals its frequent usage in news, scientific, and encyclopedic content, highlighting its role in emphasizing critical issues. When communicating about less-than-serious situations, consider choosing an alternative from the suggestions, such as "serious issue" or "major concern", to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Serious issue

This alternative uses more common vocabulary while retaining the sense of importance.

Critical challenge

This alternative emphasizes the difficulty and importance of the problem.

Significant difficulty

This alternative highlights the troublesome nature of the problem.

Major concern

This alternative focuses on the worrying aspect of the problem.

Dire situation

This alternative conveys a sense of urgency and potential danger.

Acute crisis

This alternative suggests a sudden and severe problem.

Pressing matter

This alternative stresses the urgency and need for immediate attention.

Formidable obstacle

This alternative emphasizes the scale of the problem.

Severe predicament

This alternative conveys the difficult and unfortunate circumstances of the problem.

Troubling development

This alternative focuses on the problematic unfolding of events.

FAQs

How to use "grave problem" in a sentence?

Use "grave problem" to describe a situation that is very serious and concerning. For instance, "The increasing levels of pollution pose a grave problem for the city's environment."

What can I say instead of "grave problem"?

You can use alternatives like "serious issue", "critical challenge", or "major concern" depending on the context.

Is "grave problem" formal or informal?

"Grave problem" is suitable for formal and neutral contexts, such as news reports, academic papers, and professional communications. It might be too strong for casual conversations.

What makes a problem "grave"?

A "grave problem" is one that is extremely serious, potentially leading to significant negative consequences or requiring immediate and substantial action. It implies a level of severity beyond a simple difficulty or challenge.