gravity of this matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gravity of this matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the seriousness or importance of a particular issue or situation. Example: "We must consider the gravity of this matter before making any decisions that could affect the future of our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But I'm relieved that our constitution allows me to report enough to the Presbytery so that there will be no question as to the gravity of this matter".

The New York Times

"We believe that the complexity and gravity of this matter warrant the establishment of a temporary select committee that can conduct an integrated review of the many national security issues involved, which cut across multiple executive agencies and legislative committees," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They think the universe is stuffed with invisible matter composed of particles different from the ones that make up visible matter and the gravity of this "dark" matter holds galaxies together.

The Economist

Physicists think the universe is stuffed with invisible dark matter composed of particles very different from the ones that make up visible matter, and that the gravity of this dark matter holds galaxies together.

The Economist

They would just say, 'Why are you bothering us?' " Still, as Irish bond yields approached 9 percent, the finance minister, Brian Lenihan, acknowledged the gravity of the matter.

The New York Times

But according to Einstein's general theory of relativity, the gravity of the matter and energy can bend light rays, causing them to converge or diverge.

The New York Times - Science

The person must consider numerous factors including "the gravity of the matter" and "whether reasonable attempts have been made to obtain the information or documents by other means".

The Guardian

They exploded when the universe was half its current age and, researchers now reckon, still dominated by the gravity of the matter it contained, which was putting the brakes on expansion.

The Economist

But for Mr. Perry, whose candidacy has been consistently undercut by his debate performances, the gravity of the matter grew obvious as chuckles in the Republican audience turned to gasps.

The New York Times

Given the gravity of the matter, Connecticut politicians stepped in on Thursday, with two state legislators saying they were drafting legislation that would require school officials to give an option of community service or alternative punishment rather than being barred from school events for a policy violation within the last month of the school year.

The New York Times

I remember watching it nightly and not quite understanding the gravity of the matter: I was young and idealistic.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gravity of this matter" when you want to emphasize the profound importance and potential consequences of a particular issue. It adds a serious and weighty tone to your writing.

Common error

While "gravity of this matter" is appropriate in formal contexts, avoid using it in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "how serious this is" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gravity of this matter" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object within a sentence. It encapsulates the inherent seriousness or weight associated with a particular issue, emphasizing its significance as highlighted by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "gravity of this matter" is a formal expression used to emphasize the seriousness or importance of a subject. While grammatically correct, its usage is relatively rare. As noted by Ludwig, it's best suited for formal contexts such as legal, official, or serious discussions. Alternatives include "seriousness of the issue" or "importance of the situation". Its prevalence in news and science sources underlines its role in conveying critical information. Avoid overusing this phrase in casual conversation to maintain a natural tone. Use "gravity of this matter" judiciously to underscore the weight and potential consequences of an issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seriousness of this issue

Substitutes "gravity" with "seriousness" and "matter" with "issue", providing a more direct and less nuanced expression.

significance of this situation

Replaces "gravity" with "significance" and "matter" with "situation", altering the overall tone slightly to be less formal.

weight of this problem

Uses "weight" instead of "gravity" and "problem" instead of "matter", conveying a sense of burden or difficulty.

severity of the circumstances

Highlights the "severity" of the situation, indicating a potentially negative or harmful condition.

importance of this affair

Changes "gravity" to "importance" and "matter" to "affair", which can suggest a more specific or potentially scandalous situation.

critical nature of this subject

Emphasizes the "critical nature" rather than the inherent gravity, focusing on the urgency or necessity of the subject.

consequence of this event

Shifts the focus to the potential outcomes or repercussions of the event, rather than its inherent importance.

magnitude of these events

Replaces "gravity" with "magnitude" and broadens the scope to "events", implying a broader or larger scale.

solemnity of this occasion

Substitutes "gravity" with "solemnity" and "matter" with "occasion", suggesting a formal or ceremonial setting.

urgency of this situation

Highlights the time-sensitive nature and need for immediate attention, differing from the general importance conveyed by "gravity".

FAQs

What does "gravity of this matter" mean?

The phrase "gravity of this matter" refers to the seriousness, importance, or weight of a particular situation, issue, or subject. It implies that the matter should be taken seriously and requires careful consideration.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "gravity of this matter"?

This phrase is best suited for formal contexts, such as legal documents, official reports, or serious discussions, where emphasizing the importance of the topic is crucial. Using it in casual conversation may sound unnatural.

What are some alternative ways to express the "gravity of this matter"?

You can use alternatives such as "seriousness of this issue", "importance of this situation", or "weight of this problem" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I effectively convey the "gravity of this matter" in my writing?

To emphasize the gravity, clearly explain the potential consequences, provide supporting evidence, and use a formal and serious tone throughout your writing. Consider alternatives such as "significance of this situation".