gravely troubled

USAGE SUMMARY

"gravely troubled" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a serious or deep level of concern or distress. Example: "The community was gravely troubled by the recent events." Alternative expressions include "deeply concerned" and "seriously worried."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But in the intervening five years I have remained gravely troubled by the power of the Scientologist Church to intimidate critics and to maintain a hold over its adepts which some say is a kind of mental enslavement.

Independent

The Patients Association's chief executive, Katherine Murphy, said the organisation was "gravely troubled" at the "catastrophic impact this will have on so many patients and their families" as winter approaches.

The Guardian

Another report, by the NPD Group, noted that overall retail sales of men's wear, an industry gravely troubled by the slow economy and the shift to casual styles, dropped $4 billion in 2001 from the previous year, but the youngest shoppers represent a bright spot.

The New York Times - Style

I am gravely troubled by this article.

Los Angeles Times

Gravely troubled by these recent events and more, major civil rights leaders, clergy, victims, parents, grandparents and concerned folks from all races, backgrounds and communities are assembling in the nation's capital this week.

Huffington Post

All the free-market enthusiasts in Congress should have no problem with the determination of Patrick Donahoe, the postmaster general, to make the gravely troubled mail system "smaller, leaner and more competitive".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But the sneak peeks we have about what is going on should gravely trouble us.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is gravely troubling that the prosecutor general is summing up before a full indictment has been issued, and long before legal proceedings have been completed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Schmidt, who had been deeply troubled by Palin's behavior during the campaign, was gravely concerned about the historic moment immediately facing the country.

Huffington Post

It is all part of her strategy to fight the memory loss that has troubled her since the fall of 2001, when she became gravely ill with inhalation anthrax.

The New York Times

In the same issue, Lexington is dismayed by shrill warnings of economic troubles, gravely stating that "in a world where information is so important, confidence is itself a valuable commodity, so it is vital that politicians do not exaggerate just to score political points".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gravely troubled" to express a formal and serious level of concern, particularly in professional or news contexts. It conveys a deeper sense of worry than simply saying "worried" or "concerned".

Common error

Avoid using "gravely troubled" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound unnatural or overly dramatic in everyday situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "very worried" or "really concerned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gravely troubled" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of deep concern or worry. It is used to express a strong negative emotional response to a particular situation or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gravely troubled" is an adjective phrase used to express a serious and profound level of concern or worry. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and suitable for written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, where it conveys the intensity of concern regarding significant issues. While grammatically sound and readily understood, it is better suited for formal contexts than casual conversation. Alternatives such as "deeply concerned" or "seriously worried" may be more appropriate in less formal settings. The phrase's infrequent usage suggests that while impactful, it should be used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply concerned

Replaces "gravely troubled" with a more common synonym for deep worry.

seriously worried

Uses "seriously worried" to emphasize the significant level of concern.

intensely worried

Stresses the intensity of the worry.

profoundly concerned

Highlights the depth and intensity of the worry.

alarmingly worried

Adds a sense of urgency and alarm to the worry.

extremely anxious

Focuses on the anxiety aspect of being "gravely troubled".

greatly distressed

Focuses on the emotional distress caused by the concern.

sincerely concerned

Emphasizes the genuineness of the worry.

highly disturbed

Emphasizes the unsettling nature of the concern.

very apprehensive

Replaces "troubled" with a synonym that suggests anxiety about future events.

FAQs

What does "gravely troubled" mean?

The phrase "gravely troubled" means to be seriously concerned or worried about something. It implies a deep level of unease or distress.

How can I use "gravely troubled" in a sentence?

You can use "gravely troubled" to describe someone's emotional state, such as: "The community was "deeply concerned" by the increase in crime" or "The CEO was "seriously worried" about the company's financial performance".

What are some synonyms for "gravely troubled"?

Some synonyms for "gravely troubled" include "deeply concerned", "seriously worried", and "extremely anxious".

When is it appropriate to use "gravely troubled"?

It is appropriate to use "gravely troubled" in formal contexts such as news reports, professional communications, or academic writing, where a serious and profound level of concern needs to be expressed. Avoid using it in casual or informal settings.