grave problems

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave problems" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe serious or critical issues that require immediate attention or concern. Example: "The organization is facing grave problems that could jeopardize its future if not addressed promptly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, grave problems remain.

The Guardian

Nonetheless, grave problems beset the new government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Grave problems are being, once again, obscured," the newspaper said.

The New York Times

But he said grave problems remained throughout Asia.

The New York Times

But the power-sharing deal has encountered grave problems.

The New York Times

Privately, his aides had told him they had discovered grave problems with the accuser's credibility.

The New York Times

Mr Raymond said the absence of medicines was causing grave problems.

Independent

The Nixon Administration has in the span of a few months faced many grave problems.

The New Yorker

With the presidency, however, Pastrana inherited a number of grave problems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There have been questions about what will happen if the E.C.B. finds banks with grave problems.

The New York Times

Clients in stage four are seen as grave problems, unlikely to get back into employment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave problems" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and potential consequences of a situation. It conveys a sense of urgency and significance.

Common error

While "grave problems" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for less formal alternatives like "serious issues" or "big trouble" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave problems" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes significant difficulties or issues, emphasizing their seriousness. For example, "facing grave problems".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave problems" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe serious and potentially consequential issues. As Ludwig AI indicates, its primary function is to highlight the severity and urgency of a situation across various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications. While versatile, "grave problems" is most effective in neutral to formal settings, where its serious tone is appropriate. When aiming for a more casual register, alternatives like "serious issues" or "big trouble" may be more suitable. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication and precise conveyance of the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious difficulties

Replaces "grave" with "serious" and "problems" with "difficulties", maintaining the sense of significant issues.

critical issues

Substitutes "grave" with "critical" and "problems" with "issues", highlighting the urgency and importance of the matters.

severe challenges

Replaces "grave" with "severe" and "problems" with "challenges", emphasizing the difficulty and demanding nature of the situation.

major crises

Substitutes "problems" with "crises" to underscore the severity and potential for significant negative outcomes.

dire straits

Uses a more figurative expression to indicate a very difficult and dangerous situation.

acute dilemmas

Replaces "grave" with "acute" and "problems" with "dilemmas", suggesting pressing and complex difficulties.

profound predicaments

Emphasizes the depth and seriousness of the problems, indicating difficult situations with no easy solutions.

significant setbacks

Replaces "grave" with "significant" and "problems" with "setbacks", focusing on the negative impact and hindrance caused by the issues.

troubling circumstances

Uses more general language to describe serious and concerning situations.

formidable obstacles

Highlights the challenging and difficult nature of the problems, framing them as barriers to overcome.

FAQs

How to use "grave problems" in a sentence?

You can use "grave problems" to describe situations with serious and potentially negative consequences. For example: "The company is facing "grave problems" due to declining sales."

What can I say instead of "grave problems"?

You can use alternatives like "serious difficulties", "critical issues", or "severe challenges" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "grave problems" or "serious problem"?

"Grave problems" refers to multiple serious issues, while "serious problem" refers to a single significant issue. The choice depends on whether you're describing one or more problems.

What's the difference between "grave problems" and "troubling circumstances"?

"Grave problems" suggests a higher degree of severity and potential negative impact than "troubling circumstances". The latter is a more general and less alarming description of a difficult situation.