gravest of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gravest of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to emphasize the seriousness or severity of a situation or issue. Example: "The gravest of concerns regarding climate change must be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

We are at the gravest of moments.

The New York Times

The gravest of these threats is nuclear terrorism.

The New York Times

Studies have shown that even in the gravest of circumstances, patients prefer accurate and honest information.

The New York Times

"Those who have not followed these principles have committed the gravest of sins," Fadl writes.

The New Yorker

What is impressive is the way the gravest of issues is handled with such forensic sobriety.

The Guardian

It is also the first time the court has sought an indictment for genocide, the gravest of all international crimes.

The Economist

If anyone disobeyed their decree, he was barred from sacrifice, which was considered the gravest of punishments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Except tend graves, of course.

Independent

The rest mark the graves of paupers.

The New Yorker

The grave of Johnny Appleseed is nearby.

The New Yorker

Clay stumbled across the grave of Robert Wood.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gravest of" to underscore the extreme seriousness or significance of a situation, particularly when discussing consequences or moral implications.

Common error

Avoid using "gravest of" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone is better suited for serious discussions or reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gravest of" functions as a superlative adjective phrase, intensifying the noun it modifies. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to emphasize the extreme degree or severity of something, aligning with examples from news and media.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gravest of" is a versatile and formal way to emphasize the extreme seriousness of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent appearance in news and media, encyclopedias and science. It is essential to use it judiciously, favoring formal contexts and avoiding overuse in casual settings. Related phrases like "most serious of" and "most critical of" can serve as alternatives in specific contexts. The most authoritative sources using this phrase are The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Yorker, The Economist and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most serious of

Focuses on the severity of a situation, emphasizing the danger or harm involved.

most critical of

Highlights the urgency and importance of a situation requiring immediate attention.

most severe of

Emphasizes the intensity and harshness of a situation or consequence.

most acute of

Indicates a sharp and intense experience or problem.

most perilous of

Stresses the high level of risk and danger involved.

most pressing of

Highlights the urgent need for action or resolution.

most momentous of

Emphasizes the historical significance and importance of an event.

most significant of

Indicates the importance and impact of a situation or decision.

most dreadful of

Emphasizes the unpleasantness and fear associated with a situation.

most alarming of

Highlights the cause for concern and potential danger.

FAQs

How can I use "gravest of" in a sentence?

The phrase "gravest of" is used to emphasize the extreme seriousness or importance of something. For example, "The "gravest of" concerns must be addressed immediately."

What's a less formal way to say "gravest of"?

While "gravest of" carries a formal tone, you could use alternatives like "most serious", "most critical", or "biggest" depending on the specific context to convey a similar meaning in a less formal setting.

When is it appropriate to use "gravest of" in writing?

Use "gravest of" in formal writing, reports, or discussions where you want to highlight the utmost seriousness or significance of an issue. It's particularly effective when discussing consequences or moral implications.

Which is correct, "gravest of" or "most grave"?

"Gravest of" is used to emphasize that something is the most serious among a set of things. "Most grave" can be used, but ""gravest of"" is generally preferred when comparing degrees of seriousness.