serious matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious matter" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to describe a situation or topic that is important, significant, or of great concern. Example 1: The CEO addressed the staff, stating that the financial struggles were a serious matter and needed to be addressed immediately. Example 2: The judge reminded the jury that they were responsible for making a decision on a serious matter, and their verdict would have a significant impact on the defendant's life. Example 3: The politician's scandal was a serious matter that dominated the headlines for weeks and caused public outrage. Example 4: The teacher spoke to the students about the seriousness of bullying and how it is a matter that should not be taken lightly. Example 5: The family gathered together to discuss the serious matter of their elderly relative's declining health and how they could best support them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a very serious matter".

The New York Times

That's a serious matter.

The Washington Post

"It's a serious matter.

The New York Times

In Judaism, idolatry is a serious matter.

The New York Times

Exit rows are a more serious matter.

The New York Times

"It was a very serious matter, indeed".

The New York Times

True beauty is always a serious matter".

The New Yorker

Inequality is a serious matter.

The Washington Post

"It is a serious matter.

The Washington Post

This was a serious matter.

The Guardian

"It's an incredibly serious matter.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious matter", ensure the context clearly indicates why the matter is significant. Provide specific details to underscore its importance.

Common error

Avoid using "serious matter" as a cliché. Instead of stating the obvious, provide concrete reasons and implications to highlight the severity of the situation. Showing, not telling, is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious matter" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI examples show it often follows linking verbs (is, was) to describe a situation or issue. For instance, "This is a very serious matter".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious matter" is a commonly used phrase to denote the importance or severity of an issue. As Ludwig AI demonstrates, its grammatical function is primarily as a noun phrase. The phrase appears across a range of sources, from formal news outlets to academic publications, suggesting it maintains a relatively neutral to formal register. While straightforward in meaning, it is important to use the phrase judiciously and provide context to justify its usage, so avoid being repetitive. Remember it is often better to show why something is a "serious matter" than just to state it, and consider using alternatives depending on the scenario, for example phrases like "critical issue" or "urgent situation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave concern

This alternative uses "grave" to emphasize the severity of the concern, suggesting a more profound level of seriousness.

critical issue

This phrase focuses on the importance and urgency of the matter, highlighting its need for immediate attention.

significant problem

This alternative emphasizes the scale and impact of the matter, indicating that it has substantial consequences.

pressing concern

This phrase highlights the urgency and immediacy of the matter, suggesting that it requires prompt action.

weighty issue

This emphasizes the importance and complexity of the topic, as well as the serious implications associated with it.

matter of consequence

This alternative directly states that the matter has important results or effects, highlighting its significance.

urgent situation

This emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of the matter, implying that immediate action is needed to resolve it.

vital question

This emphasizes that resolving the query is essential or crucial, underscoring its importance.

major undertaking

This describes the endeavor as a particularly large or complex undertaking, implying that it carries a great degree of importance.

difficult situation

This suggests that a complex set of circumstances requires careful consideration or a specific course of action.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious matter" to describe situations that require careful consideration or immediate attention. For instance, "The company's financial situation is a "serious matter" that needs to be addressed promptly."

What are some alternatives to saying "serious matter"?

Alternatives include "grave concern", "critical issue", or "significant problem", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "very serious matter"?

Yes, using "very" to intensify "serious matter" is grammatically correct and emphasizes the significance of the situation.

What's the difference between "serious matter" and "grave matter"?

"Grave matter" ("grave matter") implies a greater level of severity or potential danger compared to "serious matter". Use "grave" when the situation has particularly dire consequences.