grave thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a serious or weighty consideration or reflection on a particular matter. Example: "After much deliberation, she finally shared her grave thought about the future of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Bones with high lead levels were recently found in a grave thought likely to be his.

Wikipedia

In her book "Digging Up Butch and Sundance," she marshals documentary evidence about the movements of Butch, Sundance and Etta after they fled the U.S. in 1901 and reports on the inconclusive exhumation of a grave thought to contain the remains of the outlaws in the village of San Vicente, Bolivia.

Los Angeles Times

On Friday, a mass grave thought to contain the bodies of dozens of Yazidi women killed by the jihadists was uncovered nearby.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Your statesman regards a campus backdrop and academic robes as the ideal stage set and costume for the utterance of large, grave thoughts.

The New Yorker

"You run into closed doors everywhere," he observes during the investigation, which leads him to grave thoughts about his island nation and the insularity that once protected it — but now threatens to isolate it — from the world beyond its shores.

The New York Times - Books

David Stockman, one of the architects of Reaganomics, was no pinko commie when he expressed grave second thoughts about supply-side economics.

Huffington Post

Chicago Tribune critic John von Rhein called Nixon in China "an operatic triumph of grave and thought-provoking beauty" Houston Chronicle reviewer Ann Holmes said of the work, "The music of "Nixon" catches in your ear; I find myself singing it while whizzing along the freeways".

Wikipedia

Emily Post must be dervishing in her grave at the thought of this impish pastime being pursued by a man who is laying down the law about propriety, even with tongue often in cheek.

The New York Times - Books

When Boots was sold to US buyout firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) in 2007, the company's patriarch, Jesse Boot, was probably turning in his grave at the thought of the paternalistic British institution being taken over by the notoriously aggressive investor.

The Guardian - Business

And of course, there is the dread crossover: Goddard Lieberson, the grand old man of Columbia Records' classical division a half century ago, is no doubt rotating furiously in his grave at the thought that Columbia's successor, Sony Classical, has just released the appalling "Opera Babes," from Britain.

The New York Times - Arts

President (and also General) Dwight D. Eisenhower, who introduced the term "military-industrial complex" in his farewell address to the nation, is probably rolling over in his grave at the thought that a government packed with ex-military men and former arms industry officials is in many quarters considered the best anyone could hope for under the Trump regime.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grave thought" to convey a sense of seriousness and importance when describing someone's reflection or consideration of a matter. For example, "The decision required grave thought due to its far-reaching consequences".

Common error

Avoid using "grave thought" when you simply mean a 'deep' or 'interesting' thought. The word "grave" implies seriousness and potential negative consequences, so ensure the context warrants this level of intensity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave thought" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. As the Ludwig examples show, it signifies a period or instance of deep and serious consideration. The structure combines an adjective ("grave") modifying a noun ("thought").

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grave thought" is a noun phrase used to describe serious and important considerations. While grammatically sound and understandable, Ludwig examples show that it is not frequently used, appearing more often in news and media than in casual conversation. Alternatives like "serious consideration" or "deep reflection" might be more appropriate depending on the context. While Ludwig AI validates the phrase as correct, remember its connotation and ensure it accurately reflects the gravity of the situation you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious consideration

Focuses on the act of carefully thinking about something, emphasizing the thoughtfulness involved.

deep reflection

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of thought, suggesting a more profound contemplation.

weighty matter

Shifts the focus from the thought itself to the importance of the subject being considered.

somber contemplation

Highlights the serious and perhaps melancholic nature of the thought process.

critical thinking

Emphasizes the analytical and evaluative aspects of thought, particularly in decision-making.

earnest deliberation

Focuses on the sincerity and thoroughness of the thought process, suggesting careful consideration of options.

profound idea

Shifts the emphasis to the intellectual depth and significance of the concept being considered.

significant concern

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the issue prompting the thought.

sober assessment

Focuses on an unemotional and objective evaluation of a situation or problem.

serious viewpoint

Emphasizes the gravity and importance the speaker/writer places on their opinion on a subject.

FAQs

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

You can use "grave thought" to describe a serious and important consideration. For example, "The situation demanded "serious consideration", leading to a period of grave thought among the board members".

What are some alternatives to "grave thought"?

Some alternatives include "serious consideration", "deep reflection", or "weighty matter", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "grave thought" the same as "deep thought"?

While both phrases involve thinking, "grave thought" implies a more serious and potentially concerning subject matter. "Deep thought" simply indicates a thorough or profound level of thinking, without necessarily implying worry or concern.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "grave thought"?

Use "grave thought" when discussing matters of significant importance, particularly those with potential negative outcomes or serious consequences. It's appropriate when describing deliberations about life-altering decisions, ethical dilemmas, or situations involving substantial risk.