grave situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or critical circumstance that requires immediate attention or action. Example: "The country is facing a grave situation due to the ongoing economic crisis, and urgent measures must be taken to address it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A very, very grave situation".

The Guardian

"This is truly a grave situation.

The Guardian

"The U.S. had better ponder over the prevailing grave situation".

The New York Times

Mr Snowden found himself in a grave situation.

The Guardian

Clearly, this is a far less grave situation.

The New York Times

He said Iran posed "an extraordinarily grave situation" with dangers to Israel and the West.

The New York Times

"We are in a very grave situation which demands a wise reaction".

The New York Times

And, ever since, an already grave situation in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon has been steadily worsening.

The Guardian

By midsummer the grave situation in the north had caused hundreds of thousands of Malians to flee the region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"But I realize, with the extent of coverage here, it must be a very grave situation in Japan.

The New York Times - Sports

"If I had not had their help," she said, "I would have been in a very grave situation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "grave situation" to convey a sense of urgency and severity. It is suitable for formal writing and when emphasizing the critical nature of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "grave situation" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or out of place; consider using simpler terms like "serious problem" or "tough spot".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave situation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object to describe a circumstance characterized by significant danger or seriousness. Ludwig confirms its accurate usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "grave situation" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe circumstances of significant seriousness or danger. Ludwig examples show its prevalence in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for formal or neutral registers, avoiding overuse in casual communication. Alternatives like "serious crisis" or "critical juncture" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys urgency and the need for attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious crisis

Focuses on the crisis aspect of the situation, implying a turning point or moment of danger.

critical juncture

Highlights the decisiveness of the moment, suggesting a need for crucial action.

dire straits

Emphasizes the distress and hardship involved in the situation.

precarious position

Stresses the instability and potential for collapse or failure.

urgent predicament

Highlights the need for immediate attention and resolution.

perilous state

Focuses on the danger and risk associated with the current condition.

alarming development

Emphasizes the worrying nature of a new event or unfolding circumstance.

troubled waters

Uses a metaphor to describe a difficult and uncertain period.

challenging circumstances

Highlights the difficulties and obstacles that must be overcome.

severe dilemma

Underscores the difficult choice that must be made in a challenging situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave situation" to describe a serious or critical circumstance. For example: "The economic downturn has created a "grave situation" for many families."

What are some alternatives to "grave situation"?

Alternatives include "serious crisis", "critical juncture", or "dire straits" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "grave situation" in informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "grave situation" is more suitable for formal writing or serious discussions. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "serious problem" or "tough situation".

What makes a situation qualify as a "grave situation"?

A "grave situation" typically involves significant danger, risk, or potential for negative consequences. It implies that immediate and decisive action is required to address the problem.