grievous situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grievous situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a serious or severe circumstance that causes distress or suffering. Example: "The community found itself in a grievous situation after the devastating flood destroyed many homes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

What can be done about this grievous situation?

The New York Times

"We are facing a grievous situation for housing," said Mr. Gadhvi, who sat beneath a neem tree in the courtyard of the district headquarters, which partly crumbled in the earthquake.

The New York Times

We are supporting the ordinary people of Bethlehem at Christmas because we believe it would be wrong to sing about the town and meditate on its importance to our faith without acknowledging the grievous situation its citizens find themselves in today.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I am deeply hurt by the grievous situation in the affected areas.

Huffington Post

This fixed and errant mindset, taught through a Eurocentric education system, provides the very foundation that society has used to paralyze people of color and Indigenous folks, leading to the creation of the current grievous situation of our current judicial systems.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Those who believe this grievous economic situation will right itself of its own accord or can be corrected without bold, targeted (and, yes, expensive) government action are still reading from the Ronald Reagan (someday it will trickle down) hymnal.

The New York Times

But the grievous financial situation of the State of California and reduced funding from the National Science Foundation NSFF) have sharply curtailed the university's research budget, and private donations haven't yet been adequate to keep the Array in operation.

Huffington Post

Ultimately, upsets are momentary and, unless the situation is grievous, can even fade away altogether.

Huffington Post

In low income countries, the coexistence of obesity and underweight makes the situation more grievous.

BMC Pediatrics

What makes this situation even more grievous is that the climate change threats facing many Sids are by-and-large not of their own making.

The Guardian

One of the channels, Fashion TV, which is based in France and features an endless reel of strutting models, had been banned in India for the same reason earlier this year.In Pakistan, the situation is more grievous.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "grievous situation", ensure the context clearly establishes the severity and distressing nature of the circumstances being described. Use it to add emotional weight and emphasize the impact of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "grievous situation" to describe minor inconveniences or commonplace problems. Save it for genuinely serious and distressing circumstances to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grievous situation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "grievous" modifies the noun "situation". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of affairs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "grievous situation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe severely distressing circumstances. While not overly common, as validated by Ludwig, it's appropriate for formal and neutral contexts. Use it to emphasize the weight and impact of a negative scenario, but avoid overuse in milder situations. Ludwig AI's analysis and numerous examples demonstrate consistent and correct usage across reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious predicament

This phrase emphasizes the difficult and uncertain nature of the situation.

grave crisis

This phrase highlights the critical and potentially dangerous aspect of the situation.

tragic circumstances

This emphasizes the sorrowful and unfortunate elements of the situation.

dire straits

This phrase conveys a sense of extreme difficulty or danger.

terrible state

This phrase underscores the poor and undesirable condition of something.

critical condition

This phrase suggests a state of instability and potential for negative outcomes.

desperate circumstances

This phrase implies a sense of hopelessness and urgency.

precarious position

This phrase emphasizes the instability and vulnerability of the situation.

adverse conditions

Focuses on the unfavorable or challenging elements contributing to the situation.

unfortunate circumstances

A more general term, indicating negative or unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "grievous situation" in a sentence?

Use "grievous situation" to describe a circumstance that causes significant suffering or distress. For example, "The community found itself in a grievous situation after the devastating earthquake".

What are some alternatives to "grievous situation"?

You can use alternatives such as "serious predicament", "grave crisis", or "dire straits", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "grievous situation" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "grievous situation" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when conveying the gravity of a situation. However, be mindful of the audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What distinguishes "grievous situation" from a "serious situation"?

"Grievous situation" implies a deeper level of suffering and distress compared to a "serious situation". "Grievous" emphasizes the painful and severe nature of the circumstances.