is very sobering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very sobering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that causes a person to feel serious, reflective, or aware of a difficult reality. Example: "The statistics on climate change are very sobering and highlight the urgent need for action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The new information from San Francisco "is very sobering and I hope it gets the attention of policy makers," Dr. Valdiserri said.

The New York Times

"So all these things are possible, but nevertheless, just the very thought of looking ahead is very sobering and almost depressing".

The Guardian

All this, of course, is very sobering for those of us who fear for the future of Israel as a Jewish democratic state.

Huffington Post

Angels player information coach Rico Brogna returned to the team this weekend after a four-week absence in which he had the scare of his life, a diagnosis for testicular cancer and surgery to remove a mass on May 13. "This is very sobering, it's immediate, it's gripping," said Brogna, who serves as a liaison between the front office and scouting staff and the coaching staff and players.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That can be very sobering.

The New York Times - Sports

This will be very sobering.

BBC

The bank's chief executive Ross McEwan told the Today programme that the results were "very sobering".

BBC

RBS's new boss, Ross McEwan, told the BBC the results were "very sobering".

BBC

It was very sobering.

Huffington Post

It is low key, yet at the same time it is very sober and chilling".

The New York Times

"Some of the best information I've got is over a cup of tea, when everyone is very sober," he says.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is very sobering" when you want to convey that something is causing serious thought or reflection, often due to its challenging or negative implications.

Common error

Avoid using "is very sobering" in overly casual conversations. It's better suited for more serious or formal discussions where the gravity of the situation needs emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very sobering" functions as a descriptive expression, indicating that something has a serious and thought-provoking effect. As Ludwig AI suggests, it causes a person to feel serious, reflective, or aware of a difficult reality.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very sobering" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English that indicates something causes serious thought or reflection. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's most frequently found in News & Media contexts and serves to highlight the gravity of a situation. While not overly common, it's a valuable phrase for conveying a sense of thoughtful awareness, particularly in serious discussions. Alternatives like ""is deeply concerning"" or ""is quite alarming"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is deeply concerning

Emphasizes the worry or alarm caused by a situation, shifting the focus to concern rather than reflection.

is quite alarming

Highlights the alarming nature of something, increasing the sense of urgency and potential danger.

is profoundly disturbing

Stresses the deeply unsettling or shocking quality of something, intensifying the emotional impact.

is truly eye-opening

Focuses on the revelatory aspect, emphasizing new awareness or understanding.

is rather disheartening

Highlights the discouraging or demoralizing effect of something, shifting the emphasis to emotional impact.

is exceedingly grave

Emphasizes the seriousness and critical nature of a situation using more formal language.

is a harsh reality check

Highlights the stark confrontation with reality, often implying a needed correction of perspective.

is a wake-up call

Emphasizes the need for urgent attention and action, portraying something as a warning or alert.

gives one pause

A more understated way of saying something causes thoughtful consideration, often implying hesitation or reflection.

prompts serious reflection

Directly indicates that something causes deep and careful thought.

FAQs

How can I use "is very sobering" in a sentence?

You can use "is very sobering" to describe a situation, fact, or piece of information that makes you or others feel serious and thoughtful. For example: "The statistics on poverty "is very sobering"."

What are some alternatives to "is very sobering"?

Alternatives include "is deeply concerning", "is quite alarming", or "is profoundly disturbing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is very sobering"?

It is appropriate when you want to emphasize the serious and thoughtful impact of something, particularly when it reveals a challenging or unsettling reality.

How does "is very sobering" differ from "is alarming"?

"Is very sobering" implies a reflective and serious mood, while "is alarming" focuses more on the feeling of fear or danger. "Is very sobering" prompts thought, while "is alarming" prompts a sense of immediate threat.