it very grim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it very grim" is not correct in English.
It is missing a verb or auxiliary verb to be grammatically complete. You can use a corrected version, such as "it is very grim," to describe a situation or feeling that is bleak or serious. Example: "The news about the economic downturn is concerning; it is very grim for many families."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When we talked about the story, I mentioned that I found it very grim.

The New Yorker

Some people find it very grim, but I find it beautiful.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

If 21...Qxe5 22 Qh4 g6 23 Rhe1 Qh8 24 Ne4 Nd7 White has a massive attack (the queen didn't go to g7 so that if 25 Nf6+ Black can take it though it's very grim anyway).

The Guardian - Sport

Most of it is very grim, and I wouldn't trust it for a second.

The New York Times

It was very grim.

The New Yorker

"It looks very grim.

The New York Times

Trnopolje cannot be called a 'concentration camp' and is nowhere as sinister as Omarska : it is very grim, something between a civilian prison and transit camp.

The Guardian

The first, book-length attempt to evaluate British expenditure of blood and treasure, by former frontline military intelligence officer Frank Ledwidge, should become a Defence Academy set text – if, that is, the generals can bear it, because it makes for very grim reading indeed.

Independent

"It was very, very grim.

Independent

It is a very grim city.

The New Yorker

"It's a very grim picture".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "bleak", "dire", or "somber" to add nuance to your description of a grim situation.

Common error

The most common mistake is omitting the necessary verb "is" or another linking verb. This makes the phrase grammatically incorrect. Always include a verb to create a complete sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it very grim" functions as a descriptive statement, but it's grammatically incomplete. The correct usage, as indicated by Ludwig AI, requires the addition of a verb, typically a form of "to be", such as "is" or "seems".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it very grim" is grammatically incorrect due to the absence of a verb. Ludwig AI indicates that adding a verb such as "is" or "seems" is necessary for grammatical correctness. While the phrase appears in some contexts, primarily in News & Media, it's advisable to use the corrected form, "it is very grim", or alternatives like "it seems very grim" to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy. The corrected phrase maintains the intent to express a negative or bleak assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is very grim

Adds the necessary verb "is" to make the sentence grammatically correct.

it's very bleak

Replaces "grim" with a synonym, "bleak", while also adding the contracted form of "it is".

it appears very grim

Uses the verb "appears" to describe the state of something being grim.

it seems very grim

Similar to "appears", "seems" indicates an impression of grimness.

the situation is very grim

Specifies "situation" as the subject and uses "is" to link it to the description.

things look very grim

Uses "things" as the subject and "look" as the linking verb.

it is quite dire

Substitutes "grim" with "dire" to offer a slightly different tone of seriousness.

the outlook is very grim

Focuses on "outlook" as the subject and uses "is" to describe it.

it's a very grim picture

Emphasizes the descriptive nature of the situation, portraying it as a "picture".

it was a very grim time

Changes the tense to past, describing a period as very grim.

FAQs

How can I correctly use "it very grim" in a sentence?

The phrase "it very grim" is grammatically incorrect. You should use "it is very grim" or "it seems very grim" to form a complete sentence.

What are some alternatives to saying "it very grim"?

You can use alternatives like "it is very bleak", "it appears very grim", or "the situation is very grim" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "it very grim" or "it is very grim"?

"It is very grim" is the grammatically correct option. "It very grim" is missing a verb and is therefore incorrect.

What's the difference between "it is very grim" and "it is very dire"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "it is very dire" uses the word "dire" which implies a sense of urgency or extreme seriousness, while "it is very grim" suggests a bleak or depressing outlook.