it was really serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really serious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that had significant importance or gravity. Example: "The accident was alarming, and it was really serious, requiring immediate medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It was really serious".

The New York Times

At the end, it was really serious.

The New York Times - Sports

It was really serious at one stage.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was really serious," said Cynthia Mueller, a spokeswoman at the expedition's headquarters here.

The New York Times

"I felt like 007 in Yugoslavia; there were interpreters and guards everywhere, the doors and walls were padded, it was really serious, top-security," he recalled in 1999.

The New York Times

I happen to have been overseas working in Norway this past week, and my buddy Matt called, told me the champ had been taken to the hospital, and that this time it was really serious.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Who knows if I was really serious about it?

The Guardian - Books

It's really serious.

The Guardian - Film

"I think it's really serious".

The New York Times - Sports

"I don't think it's really serious," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"The present difficulties, well, I don't think it is really serious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was really serious", ensure the context clearly establishes what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "really" as it can weaken your writing. Consider stronger synonyms like "extremely", "critically", or "gravely" to add more impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really serious" functions as a descriptive statement, typically used to convey the significance or severity of a situation, event, or condition. It provides an assessment of the gravity involved, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

24%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was really serious" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express the gravity or significance of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, predominantly in news, media, and general informative content. While acceptable in most scenarios, consider opting for more formal alternatives in academic or highly professional settings to convey a greater sense of precision. Though generally neutral, awareness of register is important to ensure appropriateness in different communicative settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was extremely critical

Emphasizes the urgency and potential danger of the situation.

it was profoundly grave

Highlights the deep and significant nature of the situation.

it was acutely dangerous

Focuses on the perilous and hazardous aspect of the situation.

it was decidedly alarming

Emphasizes the unsettling and concerning nature of the situation.

it was exceptionally consequential

Highlights the significant impact and ramifications of the situation.

it was severely impactful

Focuses on the powerful effect or influence of the situation.

it was extraordinarily crucial

Emphasizes the vital and essential nature of the situation.

it was truly significant

Highlights the importance and relevance of the situation.

it was deeply concerning

Focuses on the worrying and disturbing aspect of the situation.

it was terribly urgent

Emphasizes the pressing need for immediate action.

FAQs

What does "it was really serious" mean?

The phrase "it was really serious" indicates that a situation, event, or condition had significant importance, potential danger, or grave consequences.

How can I use "it was really serious" in a sentence?

You can use "it was really serious" to describe something that required immediate attention or had a significant impact. For example: "The accident looked minor, but "it was really serious" and required medical assistance."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was really serious"?

Alternatives include "it was extremely critical", "it was gravely concerning", or "it was acutely dangerous", depending on the specific context.

Is "it was really serious" too informal for professional writing?

While "it was really serious" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "it was exceptionally consequential" or "it was profoundly grave" in professional contexts to maintain a more sophisticated tone.