is pretty serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is pretty serious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, issue, or condition that is significant or concerning in nature. Example: "The situation with the environment is pretty serious, and we need to take action now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"It is pretty serious".

The New York Times

Cancer is pretty serious.

The New Yorker

"I think this is pretty serious.

The New Yorker

But she added: "For a fraternity, losing recognition is pretty serious.

The New York Times

It can be jokey and ironic, but Ms. Hopkins is pretty serious about her music.

The New York Times - Arts

Depression is pretty serious and should not be gossiped about" Quite right too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

It's pretty serious.

The New York Times

That was pretty serious.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The offences are pretty serious".

The Guardian - Music

"Otherwise it would be pretty serious".

The Guardian - Sport

They're pretty serious about learning".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is pretty serious", ensure that the context clearly establishes what 'it' refers to. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details about the situation or issue being discussed.

Common error

Avoid overusing "pretty" as an intensifier in formal writing. While acceptable in casual contexts, opt for more precise adjectives like 'quite', 'very', or 'significantly' to convey the seriousness of the matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is pretty serious" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing its state or condition as being of considerable importance or concern. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase "is acceptable" and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is pretty serious" is a commonly used phrase to indicate that a situation or issue warrants attention due to its significance or potential consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently in diverse sources such as News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. While "is pretty serious" may lean toward informality, it effectively conveys concern or urgency, suitable for various communicative purposes. When writing, ensure the context is clear and consider stronger alternatives for formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is really significant

Uses simpler wording to emphasize the importance of a problem.

is fairly critical

Replaces "pretty serious" with "fairly critical", suggesting a significant level of concern or importance.

is extremely critical

Highlights with stronger words the critical state.

is deeply concerning

Highlights the profound unease or worry associated with a subject.

is quite grave

Substitutes "pretty serious" with a more formal and intense adjective, emphasizing the severity.

is genuinely worrying

Highlights the authentic sense of unease or concern regarding the subject matter.

is rather alarming

Emphasizes the worrisome or disturbing aspect of the situation.

is notably concerning

Focuses on the element of worry or apprehension associated with the matter.

is considerably significant

Highlights the importance and impact of the issue.

is truly momentous

Emphasizes the importance and historical impact of the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "is pretty serious" in a sentence?

You can use "is pretty serious" to describe a situation, issue, or condition that is significant or concerning. For example, "The environmental damage "is pretty serious", and we need to act quickly."

What phrases can I use instead of "is pretty serious"?

Alternatives include "is quite serious", "is rather serious", or "is very serious" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it okay to use "is pretty serious" in formal writing?

While "is pretty serious" is generally acceptable, it leans towards informal language. In formal writing, consider using more precise and elevated language such as "is quite critical" or "is considerably significant".

What's the difference between "is pretty serious" and "is very serious"?

"Is very serious" expresses a higher degree of intensity and concern than "is pretty serious". The latter suggests a moderate level of seriousness, while the former indicates a more significant and pressing issue.