of gravest concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of gravest concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high level of seriousness or urgency regarding a particular issue or situation. Example: "The recent rise in cyberattacks is of gravest concern to our national security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is a public health issue of gravest concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have shown that conservatives have very definite ideas and proposals to offer in the areas of gravest concern for the American people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From fact-checkers, other editors, and usage geniuses known as "readers," there were plenty of proofs, but this austere one stood alone and seldom had much on it, just isolated notations of gravest concern to Mr. Shawn.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"This trend is of grave concern".

The New York Times

"This is an issue of grave concern.

Independent

"There's a lot of grave concern mixed with Schadenfreude".

The New York Times

But this circumstance was of grave concern to many Manhattan-based French businessmen.

The New Yorker

It's an expression of grave concern about how the global situation remains largely the same.

The New Yorker

Saddam Hussein's desire to acquire weapons of mass destruction is of grave concern.

The New York Times

President Barack Obama called the test a matter of grave concern to all countries.

The Guardian

This prospect is of grave concern to LBBC members, not just Scottish ones.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of gravest concern" when you want to emphasize the extreme seriousness of a situation. It is particularly effective in formal writing and speeches to convey a sense of urgency and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "of gravest concern" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious if not used appropriately. Opt for simpler phrases like "very worrying" or "a big problem" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of gravest concern" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, typically a situation or issue, to emphasize its seriousness. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Opinion

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of gravest concern" is a grammatically sound and emphatic way to express significant worry or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's best suited for formal contexts, like news reports and official statements, to convey a sense of urgency. While less frequent than alternatives like "of grave concern" or "of utmost concern", it serves to highlight the extreme seriousness of the matter at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of utmost concern

This alternative emphasizes the importance and urgency of the concern.

of deepest concern

This variation highlights the profound level of worry associated with the issue.

of highest priority

This alternative shifts the focus from worry to the level of importance and attention required.

of extreme worry

This alternative highlights the intensity of the worry or anxiety.

of critical importance

This phrases emphasizes the crucial aspect and necessity of something.

of paramount importance

This alternative emphasizes the supreme importance of the issue.

a matter of life and death

This idiom presents an even more dramatic picture, implying survival is at stake.

of significant consequence

This option underlines the weight and possible ramifications if the concern is not addressed.

an issue demanding immediate action

This phrase calls for prompt intervention because of the serious situation.

a situation that cannot be ignored

This variation urges people not to overlook a concern.

FAQs

How can I use "of gravest concern" in a sentence?

You can use "of gravest concern" to emphasize the seriousness of a situation, such as, "The environmental impact of the oil spill is "of gravest concern" to conservationists".

What phrases are similar to "of gravest concern"?

Similar phrases include "of utmost concern", "of deepest concern", and "of highest priority". These alternatives also convey a high level of seriousness and urgency.

Is "of gravest concern" appropriate for all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "of gravest concern" is best suited for formal writing and speeches. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

What makes "of gravest concern" different from "of grave concern"?

The addition of "-est" (gravest) intensifies the level of concern. "Of gravest concern" suggests an even higher degree of seriousness compared to "of grave concern", indicating that the matter is extremely serious and requires immediate attention.