gravity

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "gravity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the force by which objects with mass attract each other, or the power of attraction by which physical bodies tend to fall toward the earth. Example sentence: "The gravitational force of the sun keeps the planets in their orbits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he added: "Sometimes parts of the Conservative party move but they move more slowly, or a few paces behind the centre of gravity of social attitudes which have changed and will probably continue to change in ways that it is hard to predict.

The Guardian

"We basically took a view that they were so far gone and in a sense this was a very sobering statement of how much, below the surface, over the previous 10 years, the centre of gravity of Scottish public opinion had shifted in favour of the idea of independence," he says.

The Guardian

A Jump-a-tron machine, for example, allows visitors to set the angle, mass, gravity and power of a virtual environment, then physically jump on to a mat to cause an onscreen character to launch into space.

The Guardian - Travel

The centre of gravity of the French city was here, between the rue d'Isly (now rue Larbi Ben M'hidi) and rue Michelet (now rue Didouche Mourad).

The Guardian

Labour, claimed some, had not been adequately leftwing in a country where the political centre of gravity (or so it appeared) had long been at odds with that in England.

The Guardian

Even if it had, the IPCC, post-Hillsborough, has a discretion to investigate in exceptional circumstances – which can include the unusual gravity of the circumstances or an overwhelming, irresistible, public interest.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Beglin lay on the floor taut with agony, players from both sides pursued the referee in a panic, while in commentary Barry Davies quickly appreciated the gravity of the situation, his delivery racked with urgency.

The Guardian - Sport

But then, in the next breath, he says he never feels weighed down by gravity when he walks down the street, that he reads the Bible and the spirit breathes life into him, that he has a recurring dream where he has a gold crown, and he's sitting under a tree, with a lion under one arm and a lioness under the other.

The Guardian - Music

Defiance of gravity continually undermines the common view, that "Nature... is both blind and automatic".

The Guardian - Books

Their failure to understand the gravity of the situation and the feelings of the protesters will trigger a full-scale war.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is impossible to convey in a few words the gravity of what you hoped to achieve".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing physical phenomena, use "gravity" to refer to the force of attraction between objects with mass. In metaphorical contexts, use it to convey the weight or importance of a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "gravity" in contexts where a light or humorous tone is intended. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or serious when it's not appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "gravity" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the force of attraction between objects or, metaphorically, the weight or seriousness of a situation. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable term in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gravity" functions primarily as a noun, denoting physical attraction or metaphorical weight. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. It's a very common term with a neutral to formal register, appearing frequently in news, science, and business contexts. While it is grammatically sound, writers should avoid overuse in lighthearted settings. Related phrases include "gravitational force" and "seriousness". To maintain clarity, use "gravity" to refer to the force and reserve more casual terms for less formal writing. This analysis synthesizes grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency to provide a complete understanding of the term's application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gravitation

This is a more formal or scientific term referring to the universal force of attraction between all matter.

Gravitational force

Specifically refers to the force of attraction between objects with mass, a scientific term related to gravity.

Weight

Refers to the force exerted on an object due to gravity, implying a direct relationship with gravitational pull.

Seriousness

Indicates the significance or importance of a situation, metaphorically akin to the "gravity" of a matter.

Importance

Highlights the significance or consequence of something, similar to the weight or "gravity" of a situation.

Significance

Emphasizes the value or impact of an event or issue, resembling the considerable "gravity" it holds.

Momentousness

Highlights the significance and potential consequences of an event, similar to the "gravity" of the situation.

Consequence

Highlights the result or effect of an action, similar to the impact or "gravity" of an event.

Solemnity

Describes a state of seriousness and formality, akin to the "gravity" of a situation that demands respect.

Heaviness

Describes the state of being heavy, which can be related to the literal or metaphorical weight of "gravity".

FAQs

How can I use "gravity" in a sentence?

In science, you can say "The Earth's gravity keeps the moon in orbit". Metaphorically, you could say "The gravity of the situation demanded immediate action".

What does "center of gravity" mean?

The "center of gravity" is the point where the weight of an object is evenly distributed, allowing it to balance. It is also used metaphorically to indicate the focal point of something, such as the "center of attention".

Which is correct, "gravity" or "gravitation"?

"Gravity" and "gravitation" are often used interchangeably. However, "gravitation" is the more general term referring to the universal force of attraction, while "gravity" typically refers to the effect of gravitation on Earth's surface.

Can "gravity" be used in contexts other than physics?

Yes, "gravity" is often used metaphorically to describe the importance or seriousness of a situation. For example, "The gravity of the accusations was apparent to everyone present".