grave questions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave questions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing serious or weighty issues that require careful consideration or thought. Example: "The recent events have raised grave questions about the future of our democracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But now there are grave questions about whether even the technology makes sense.

The New York Times

If anything, in fact, its curious burial on page eight raises grave questions about the paper's news judgement.

Independent

But the litigation has thrown a spotlight on the summons system, raising grave questions about its fairness and legality.

The New York Times

"Bernie Sanders's behavior towards Hillary Clinton Tuesday night has raised some grave questions about him in voters' minds," Foyler said.

The New Yorker

Oppenheimers involvement in the Chevalier incident, and his subsequent conduct with respect to it, raise grave questions of security import.

Yale University

Of all the grave questions news organizations are grappling with these days, one that is truly stumping them is which superlative to attach to Chelsea Clinton's wedding.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Grave question marks hang over this killing..

The Guardian

That poses a grave question, he said: Can work based on those older lines continue?

The Guardian

'If the case stood here as it stood before the court of first instance it would present a grave question of constitutional law and we should be astute to avoid hindrances in the way of taking it up.

Cornell University

But the new chairman, Ernest Istook, Republican of Oklahoma, said at the hearing where Mr. Jackson spoke, "There is a grave question whether Amtrak can continue to operate without dragging down the transportation system of the rest of the country".

The New York Times

More to the point, if Fifa were to remove the competition from either country, it would have to run a competition to find a new host, and there would be grave question marks over whether it would be in a fit state to do so.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave questions" when you want to emphasize the seriousness and importance of the questions being raised. It's suitable for formal writing and discussions where the implications are significant.

Common error

While "grave questions" is appropriate for formal contexts, avoid using it in casual conversations or informal writing. Overusing formal language can make your communication sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave questions" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb (e.g., raise, pose). It signifies inquiries of considerable importance or seriousness, often implying significant consequences or ethical considerations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grave questions" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote serious inquiries or concerns. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is applicable in diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Academia, and Science. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its ability to convey the significance and potential consequences of the issues being raised. While versatile, it is best suited for formal or neutral registers, avoiding overuse in casual communication. Alternatives such as "serious concerns" or "profound inquiries" can be used to vary the language while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious doubts

Focuses on the feeling of doubt rather than the inquiry.

serious concerns

Emphasizes the level of worry associated with the issue.

profound inquiries

Highlights the depth and thoughtfulness of the questions.

deep misgivings

Indicates a strong sense of unease or apprehension.

significant uncertainties

Focuses on the lack of clarity or predictability surrounding the issue.

alarming issues

Emphasizes the potentially dangerous nature of the problems.

critical questions

Highlights the importance of the questions being asked.

pressing concerns

Emphasizes the urgency and importance of the issues.

severe reservations

Indicates strong doubts or hesitations.

substantial issues

Emphasizes the significance and magnitude of the problems.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave questions" to highlight serious doubts or concerns about a situation. For example: "The company's financial losses have raised "grave questions" about its future viability."

What are some alternatives to "grave questions"?

Alternatives include "serious concerns", "profound inquiries", or "deep misgivings" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "grave questions" or "serious question"?

"Grave questions" implies multiple serious inquiries or doubts, whereas "serious question" refers to a single important question. The correct choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "grave questions" and "major concerns"?

"Grave questions" implies a need for answers and investigations, while "major concerns" highlights significant worries or fears. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the need for inquiry or the presence of apprehension.