how serious it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "how serious it is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the severity of a situation. For example: We need to take action immediately—I cannot emphasize enough how serious it is.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Just see its recent foray into app install ads to see how serious it is about being a viable app discovery and adoption tool for developers.

TechCrunch

That's how serious it is".

Independent

You must appreciate how serious it is".

The New York Times

I'm not sure how serious it is".

The New York Times - Sports

"That shows how serious it is".

The Guardian

I don't know how serious it is.

The Guardian - Sport

But not cities are aware how serious it is".

The Guardian

"People have not been candid about how serious it is.

The New York Times

"People don't realise how serious it is," explains Charlie Ryan, founder of The Recruitment Queen.

Independent

Sharapova added: "I don't think either one of us really knows how serious it is.

Independent

"These people are sending messages, highlighting the situation within Tibet and how serious it is.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how serious it is", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify the problem or situation you're assessing.

Common error

Avoid using "how serious it is" vaguely. Always provide context. For example, don't just say "People don't realize how serious it is", clarify with: "People don't realize how serious the water contamination issue is."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how serious it is" functions as a relative clause, often used to express uncertainty, concern, or the need for evaluation. It can introduce a statement about the degree of severity, as illustrated in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how serious it is" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the severity or importance of a situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Scientific, and Wiki environments. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "it" refers to. Alternative phrases like "how grave it is" or "the severity of the matter" can add nuance. Avoid vagueness to ensure your message is impactful and clear. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's versatility in conveying concern and prompting evaluation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how grave it is

Emphasizes the weighty and critical nature of a situation.

how dire it is

Highlights the urgency and potential for catastrophic outcomes.

how dangerous it is

Focuses on the risks and potential harm involved.

how extreme it is

Indicates the intensity or extremity of the situation or condition.

how critical it is

Stresses the importance of immediate attention and decisive action.

the severity of the matter

Changes the structure to focus on the noun "severity" rather than the adjective "serious".

the gravity of the situation

Replaces "serious" with "gravity", emphasizing the weight and significance.

how urgent it is

Highlights the need for immediate action and attention.

the importance of this

Shifts the focus to the significance of the issue, rather than its intensity.

the degree of risk involved

Emphasizes the potential negative outcomes and danger.

FAQs

What does "how serious it is" mean?

The phrase "how serious it is" indicates the degree of severity, danger, or importance of a situation, problem, or issue.

What can I say instead of "how serious it is"?

You can use alternatives like "how grave it is", "how dire it is", or "the severity of the matter" depending on the context.

How do I use "how serious it is" in a sentence?

You can use "how serious it is" to express concern or emphasize the importance of addressing a problem. For example, "The doctors aren't sure how serious it is, but they are running tests."

Is "the seriousness of it is" grammatically correct compared to "how serious it is"?

While "the seriousness of it is" isn't incorrect, it's less common and often less impactful than the more direct phrasing, "how serious it is". The latter is generally preferred for its conciseness and clarity.