more serious than

USAGE SUMMARY

'more serious than' is correct and can be used in written English.
Example: The consequences of breaking the law are more serious than the consequences of breaking a school rule.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's more serious than funny.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's more serious than that".

The New York Times

Nothing more serious than a joke".

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps a little more serious than jocose.

The New York Times - Magazine

No, more serious than that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"But it's even more serious than that.

The New Yorker

A: Actually, it's more serious than that.

The New Yorker

It don't get more serious than that.

The New Yorker

Nobody's more serious than I am".

The Guardian - Books

This is more serious than death row.

The New York Times

He appears more serious than that.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "more serious than", ensure the comparison is clear and the context provides sufficient information about what is being compared. For instance, specify the risks, consequences, or implications of the situation to emphasize its severity.

Common error

Avoid using "more serious than" without specifying what is being compared. Ensure the reader understands the context; otherwise, the comparison lacks impact. It is essential to explicitly state the two things being weighed against each other.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more serious than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying nouns or pronouns to indicate a higher degree of severity or importance. Ludwig examples confirm its use in contrasting the gravity of different situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "more serious than" is a grammatically correct and frequently used comparative phrase to emphasize the relative severity or importance of one thing compared to another. Ludwig AI validates this, confirming its appropriateness in written English. Its use is prevalent in news and media, academic writing, and professional contexts, indicating its versatility across various registers. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in your comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "graver than" or "of greater consequence than" can offer nuanced variations. Understanding and applying these guidelines will enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

graver than

Uses a synonym for "serious" to indicate a greater degree of gravity.

of greater consequence than

Replaces "serious" with a phrase emphasizing the importance of the matter.

more critical than

Emphasizes the urgency and importance, rather than just the severity.

weightier than

Suggests a greater burden or significance compared to something else.

more alarming than

Focuses on the cause of concern or fear more than inherent seriousness.

more acute than

Highlights the intensity and sharpness of the situation.

more pressing than

Indicates a greater need for immediate attention.

worse than

A simpler, more direct way to express a more negative outcome.

more significant than

Focuses on the relative importance or impact.

of greater import than

A more formal way of saying something is more important.

FAQs

How can I use "more serious than" in a sentence?

Use "more serious than" to compare the severity of two situations or actions. For example, "Lying to the police is "more serious than" telling a white lie to protect a friend."

What are some alternatives to "more serious than"?

Alternatives include phrases like "graver than", "more critical than", or "of greater consequence than", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "more serious than"?

Yes, "more serious than" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard comparative form for adjectives in English, using "more" to indicate a higher degree of seriousness.

What's the difference between "more serious than" and "worse than"?

"More serious than" typically implies a greater level of potential negative consequences or long-term impact, while "worse than" generally indicates a more negative immediate outcome or condition. "More serious" often involves broader implications.