it is grave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is grave" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a serious or critical situation or condition. Example: "The doctor informed us that the patient's condition is grave and requires immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is grave, weighty.

The Guardian - Arts

It is grave and effervescent, tender and cruel.

The New York Times

It is grave that half of the klebsiella isolates, which are inherently resistant to ampicillin, are also resistant to gentamicin, since these two drugs are the most frequently used drugs for the treatment of bloodstream infections.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is graver still for the buy-out firms, which have no profits to look forward to and little chance of raising fresh capital for future funds.

The Economist

It is Graves who finally lays the war to rest, telling a Remembrance Day audience that the heroes and the victims will all be forgotten.

The New York Times

"It's grave," he said, with a swallow.

The New York Times

He's buried at Tilly-sur-Seulles Tilly-sur-Seulles Tilly-sur-Seulles.

The Guardian - Arts

It was Graves's grit and effort and generosity of spirit that was lauded far more than his on-ice success, which was also considerable.

The New York Times - Sports

A blood test performed at Duke University, where Overbeck is the assistant coach of the women's soccer team, confirmed that it was Graves' disease.

The New York Times - Sports

The problem of worryingly low inflation that the ECB now faces is grave but it is not existential.

The Economist

"Such a little thing, such a little thing," to cite the man himself, "but the difference it made was grave".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is grave", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to, maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it is grave" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly dramatic or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "it's serious" or "that's bad" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is grave" functions as a statement, attributing a serious or critical nature to a subject. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as describing art, health situations, or geopolitical issues. The phrase serves to emphasize the severity of the matter being discussed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is grave" is a formal expression used to describe a serious or critical situation. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct, though somewhat uncommon. It typically appears in formal contexts such as news reports, scientific articles, and business communications, where the gravity of a situation needs to be emphasized. While effective in conveying seriousness, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Alternatives include "it is serious" or "it is critical". Use this phrase judiciously to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the situation is critical

Emphasizes the urgency and potential danger of the situation.

it is a serious matter

Highlights the importance and potential consequences of the issue.

the issue is critical

Focuses on the importance of the problem at hand.

the matter is severe

Indicates a high degree of seriousness and potential negative impact.

it's a dire situation

Implies extreme urgency and potential for disaster.

the circumstances are critical

Highlights the importance of specific conditions and their impact.

the condition is critical

Focuses specifically on the state of something or someone.

it's an emergency

Indicates a situation requiring immediate action.

the problem is acute

Emphasizes the sharp and intense nature of the problem.

it is of serious concern

Highlights the level of worry and attention the situation warrants.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it is grave"?

You can use alternatives like "it is serious", "it is critical", or "it is dire" depending on the context.

How formal is the phrase "it is grave"?

The phrase "it is grave" is relatively formal and is best suited for serious discussions, formal writing, or professional settings.

What does "it is grave" mean?

The phrase "it is grave" means that something is very serious, critical, or concerning.

Is "it is grave" an overused phrase?

While not necessarily overused, "it is grave" is a strong phrase that should be used judiciously to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Consider alternatives based on context.