grave step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or significant action or decision that carries weighty consequences. Example: "Deciding to leave the company was a grave step that I did not take lightly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Impeaching a popularly elected president is a grave step.

The New York Times

This is a grave step that attests to the possibility of renewed terror attacks...

The New York Times

Currently, he said there was not enough support among institutions and industry to proceed with such a grave step.

The Guardian

Only rarely does the House take the grave step of expelling someone, a sanction that requires a two-thirds vote.

The New York Times

Many MPs are itching to retaliate for the humiliation of the expenses scandal, but statutory regulation would be a grave step in the wrong direction.

The Guardian

The assassination of the once-relatively obscure Fatah leader Mr. Obaiyat, whom the army blamed particularly for leading nocturnal shooting on Gilo, a neighborhood in southeastern Jerusalem, was regarded as a grave step by Israeli commentators.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Imagine him saying that the graver step of internment would not be taken, at least until these other measures had been tried out.

The Guardian

"Initiating a war is the gravest step any nation can take.

Huffington Post

Graves stepped on the ice for warm-ups at 6 30 last night, and he was promptly applauded by several hundred Rangers fans who had gathered in the stands near the tunnel leading to the San Jose dressing room.

The New York Times - Sports

Many of the outraged tweets about this developing scandal have come from women who are none-too-pleased with the idea of Graves stepping out on his wife.

Forbes

If voting for Kyl-Lieberman was as grave a step toward war as Mr. Obama claims, there's no excuse for his absence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave step" to underscore the potential negative consequences of a decision or action, particularly in contexts involving politics, ethics, or significant organizational change.

Common error

Avoid using "grave step" to describe minor inconveniences or decisions. Reserve it for situations where the potential ramifications are genuinely serious and far-reaching.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave step" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It characterizes a particular action or decision as being serious and consequential. As noted by Ludwig AI, it denotes actions that are not taken lightly due to their possible ramifications.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

10%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave step" is a noun phrase used to describe a serious and consequential action or decision. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. While not exceedingly frequent, its use underscores the weighty nature of the subject at hand. Consider alternatives like "serious action" or "momentous decision" to vary your language. Remember to reserve "grave step" for situations where the implications are genuinely significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious action

Replaces "step" with a more general term, focusing on the action's severity.

momentous decision

Highlights the significance and potential impact of the decision.

critical juncture

Shifts the focus to the importance and decisiveness of the moment.

significant undertaking

Emphasizes the scale and potential challenges of the endeavor.

weighty matter

Underscores the seriousness and importance of the issue at hand.

perilous move

Highlights the potential risks and dangers associated with the action.

risky endeavor

Emphasizes the uncertainty and potential negative outcomes.

far-reaching measure

Highlights the extensive and long-lasting effects of the action.

consequential act

Focuses on the importance and significant ramifications of the action.

critical action

Similar to "serious action" but with a stronger emphasis on the necessity.

FAQs

What does "grave step" mean?

A "grave step" refers to a serious or significant action or decision that carries weighty consequences.

When is it appropriate to use the term "grave step"?

It is appropriate to use "grave step" when describing actions or decisions with potentially serious and far-reaching negative outcomes, particularly in contexts involving politics, ethics, or significant organizational change.

What are some alternatives to "grave step"?

Alternatives include "serious action", "momentous decision", or "critical juncture", depending on the specific context.

Is "grave step" formal or informal language?

"Grave step" is considered relatively formal language, suitable for news reports, official statements, and serious discussions.