intensely serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intensely serious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, person, or tone that is very grave or earnest in nature. Example: "The meeting took an intensely serious turn when the topic of budget cuts was introduced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

But the feeling was intensely serious.

The New York Times - Magazine

He looks at me, intensely serious.

The Guardian

But he was intensely serious about his books.

The New Yorker

Mathematicians, when they work, engage in intensely serious play.

The New Yorker

He laughed, but he is intensely serious about his game.

The New York Times - Sports

But that's true of any intensely serious work of art.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is intensely dramatic and serious – as far from a bouncy castle as you can get.

The Guardian - Arts

But picked from low-yielding vineyards and vinified carefully, it can be transformed into a serious, intensely flavored wine with depth and a good acidic edge.

The New York Times - Food

At one extreme, QI is serious, intensely scientific, deeply mystical; at the other it is hilarious, silly and frothy enough to please the most indolent couch-potato.

Wikipedia

Definitely, there was no doubt that the white-haired old man in the round glasses that the control room cameras showed us was intensely focused and fully serious, a test pilot through and through.

Huffington Post

Protecting the Elderly from Financial Exploitation Many policy makers, state and federal agency officials and private sector businesses have already begun to intensely focus on this serious national social issue.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intensely serious" to describe situations or individuals where the level of gravity and earnestness is notably high. For example: "The negotiations became intensely serious as the deadline approached."

Common error

Avoid using "intensely serious" in informal or lighthearted situations, as it can sound overly dramatic or out of place. Choose a less emphatic phrase to match the tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intensely serious" functions as an intensifier (adverb "intensely") modifying an adjective ("serious"). It describes something that is not just serious, but possesses a heightened degree of gravity and earnestness. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

25%

General

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intensely serious" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize a high degree of gravity or earnestness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts. It's most commonly found in news media and arts-related content, indicating its suitability for formal and neutral registers. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and message. While it can effectively highlight the importance of a subject, overuse in casual situations should be avoided. Alternatives like "extremely serious" or "deeply serious" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely serious

This phrase uses a different intensifier to indicate a high degree of seriousness.

deeply serious

This phrase suggests a profound level of seriousness, emphasizing the depth of the feeling or situation.

utterly serious

This alternative highlights the completeness of the seriousness, leaving no room for levity.

genuinely serious

This phrase emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the seriousness.

profoundly serious

This phrase indicates a seriousness that is deeply felt and significant.

gravely serious

This alternative suggests a solemn and weighty seriousness, often associated with important matters.

terribly serious

This phrase uses a more emphatic intensifier to convey a heightened sense of seriousness.

incredibly serious

Uses a less formal intensifier to highlight the degree of seriousness.

deadly serious

Implies that the seriousness of the issue could have severe consequences.

earnestly serious

This phrase emphasizes the sincerity and dedication behind the serious attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "intensely serious" in a sentence?

You can use "intensely serious" to describe someone's demeanor, a situation, or a piece of work. For example: "He was "intensely serious" about his studies", or "The discussion took an "intensely serious" turn".

What are some alternatives to "intensely serious"?

Some alternatives include "extremely serious", "deeply serious", or "profoundly serious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "intensely serious" in formal writing?

Yes, "intensely serious" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you need to emphasize the gravity or importance of a subject. Its use can add weight to your argument or description.

What is the difference between "intensely serious" and "very serious"?

"Intensely serious" suggests a higher degree of seriousness and earnestness than "very serious". It implies a deep and unwavering commitment or concern.