serious offense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious offense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant violation of rules or laws, often in legal or formal contexts. Example: "The defendant was charged with a serious offense that could result in substantial penalties."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was a serious offense.

The New York Times - Sports

"That is a serious offense".

The New York Times

"It's a very serious offense".

The New York Times

Impersonating an officer is a serious offense.

The New York Times

But Enron committed another serious offense.

The New York Times

An attempt of a less serious offense is usually ignored.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a serious offense, a wrestler may be disqualified immediately.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Perjury is a serious offense in the United States.

The New York Times

But Ms. Fink's case alleges a more serious offense: an improper firing because of it.

The New York Times

"He has confessed to an extraordinarily serious offense that carries with it essentially life in prison".

The New York Times

Mutiny was regarded as a most serious offense, especially aboard ships at sea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a specific incident, follow "serious offense" with a clear description of the actions that constitute the offense. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "serious offense" as a catch-all term without providing specific details. Clearly state why the offense is considered serious, referencing specific rules, laws, or harms caused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious offense" functions as a noun phrase, where "serious" modifies "offense". It is used to categorize and describe actions that violate rules or laws and carry significant consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

14%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious offense" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a significant violation of rules or laws. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a wide array of contexts. Appearing most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki sources, it conveys the importance and severity of the transgression. When using this phrase, be sure to provide specific details to avoid vagueness and clearly communicate the nature of the wrongdoing. Alternatives such as "grave transgression" or "major violation" can add subtle nuances to your writing, depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major violation

Highlights the breach of rules, regulations, or laws.

grave transgression

Emphasizes the severe moral or ethical implications of the offense.

severe infraction

Focuses on the formal aspect of breaking a rule or law.

flagrant violation

Emphasizes the blatant and intentional nature of the offense.

grievous wrongdoing

Stresses the harm or damage caused by the act.

egregious act

Stresses the outstandingly bad or shocking nature of the deed.

significant misdemeanor

Indicates a serious but not necessarily felony-level offense.

heinous crime

Suggests an extremely shocking and wicked offense.

criminal act

A more generic term, emphasizing the criminal nature of the offense.

substantial breach

Highlights a significant failure to adhere to an agreement or obligation.

FAQs

How to use "serious offense" in a sentence?

You can use "serious offense" to describe an action that violates a rule or law and carries significant consequences. For instance, "The company considered data breach a "serious offense" punishable by immediate termination".

What are some alternatives to "serious offense"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "grave transgression", "major violation", or "severe infraction" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "a very serious offense"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and common to add "very" to emphasize the severity. For example, "Lying under oath is considered "a very serious offense"".

What is the difference between "serious offense" and "minor offense"?

"Serious offense" refers to a violation with significant consequences, such as imprisonment or large fines. In contrast, "minor offense" (or "petty crime") involves less severe penalties, like a small fine or warning.