serious crisis

USAGE SUMMARY

"serious crisis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult problem, especially one with far-reaching consequences. For example, "The country is facing a serious crisis as a result of the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a serious crisis".

The New York Times

"We're heading for a serious crisis".

The New York Times

This could lead to a serious crisis".

The New York Times

Don't get me wrong — a serious crisis could develop.

The New York Times

"We are on the verge of a very serious crisis.

The New York Times

This document started a serious crisis within the Church.

The New Yorker

Or, at least, not unless there's a serious crisis afoot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The bureaucracy and spy intrigues coincide with a serious crisis.

The Guardian

But, hey, this is a Very Serious Crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

But you never want a serious crisis to go to waste.

University of California, Berkeley

"Even without these things, I always maintain that we have a serious crisis of governance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious crisis" to convey urgency and the potential for significant negative consequences. Be specific about the area or system affected by the crisis, for example, "a serious economic crisis" or "a serious health crisis".

Common error

Avoid using "serious crisis" when a situation is merely inconvenient or mildly problematic. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can lead to alarmism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious crisis" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" is an adjective modifying the noun "crisis". Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing situations with potentially dire consequences across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious crisis" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation with potentially severe negative consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings. When using this phrase, it's best to be specific about what area the crisis impacts and to avoid overuse in sensationalist writing. Consider alternatives like "grave situation" or "critical juncture" for nuanced meaning. By using "serious crisis" judiciously, you can effectively communicate the urgency and importance of a given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave situation

Emphasizes the severity and potential danger of the situation.

critical juncture

Highlights the decisiveness and importance of the current moment.

dire straits

Focuses on the extreme hardship and difficulty of the circumstances.

major emergency

Stresses the urgent need for immediate action and intervention.

severe predicament

Underscores the challenging and difficult nature of the situation.

pressing issue

Highlights the urgent need for attention and resolution.

acute problem

Focuses on the intensity and severity of the problem.

substantial challenge

Emphasizes the significant obstacles and difficulties that need to be overcome.

difficult situation

A general term indicating a problematic state.

troubling times

Highlights the unsettling and worrying nature of the period.

FAQs

How can I use "serious crisis" in a sentence?

You can use "serious crisis" to describe a situation with potentially severe negative outcomes, for example, "The company is facing a "serious crisis" due to declining sales".

What can I say instead of "serious crisis"?

You can use alternatives like "grave situation", "critical juncture", or "dire straits" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "serious crisis" and "serious problem"?

A "serious problem" indicates a significant issue, while a "serious crisis" suggests a more urgent and potentially destabilizing situation that requires immediate action.

Is it appropriate to use "serious crisis" in formal writing?

Yes, "serious crisis" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a dire situation. However, ensure the context justifies the gravity of the phrase. Be mindful of alternatives with potentially less dire connotations.