serious text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to written material that is formal, important, or conveys significant information. Example: "The report contains serious text that outlines the implications of the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"Armida" was Haydn's first full opera with a serious text and his last opera at Eszterhaza, where he served the Esterhazy family for well over 20 years.

The New York Times - Arts

There are two distinct ways to watch television: to let it wash over you like pure popcorn entertainment (as I do with soaps like "Nashville" and "Scandal," and comedies like "Broad City" and "New Girl"), or to approach it as a serious text, capable of withstanding repeat viewings and deep conversations and, in theory, ambitious hopes for a graceful finale.

The New Yorker

While the book's title is a slam dunk, it's the work of a shrewd marketing department rather than a reflection of the rather serious text, a stew of delightful New Yorker profiles and essays thickened with harder-to-digest explorations of everything from how the West Indies sugar plantation gave rise to the pastry chef to the historical interplay of the cafe and the restaurant.

The New York Times - Books

We challenge you to use this one in a serious text.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Later the censoring of Ulysses, by James Joyce, Lady Chatterley's Lover, by DH Lawrence, and Howl, by Allen Ginsberg, turned these serious texts into runaway bestsellers.

The Guardian - Opinion

In two installments of "Assisted Living," one from 2011 and one a première subtitled "Do You Have Any Money?," the veteran dancers known as the Raindears juxtapose readings of serious texts with found movement and pratfalls.

The New Yorker

In addition to more serious texts, he was known for writing plays and fables, and even a book, "Conversations With the Devil," in which Satan debates a series of prominent mythical and historical figures.

The New York Times

Now I'm getting serious texts from my uncles and aunts, asking if I'd be interested in moving to the UK to marry someone I've never met.

Vice

Whether the post is funny, serious, or just relatable, good text posts make the audience feel something.

WikiHow

No serious chemistry text could make so drastic a leap so easily.

The New York Times - Books

Praetorius classified the concerto, along with the motet and the falsobordone (or simple harmonization of a liturgical reciting tone), among vocal pieces that have a sacred or serious secular text.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to academic work, using "serious text" can effectively convey the depth and rigor expected in scholarly writing.

Common error

Avoid using "serious text" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "important information" or "key details" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious text" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "serious" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "text". As shown by Ludwig, it typically identifies a written work that is formal and requires careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious text" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe written material of significant depth, complexity, or importance. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in news and media and scientific contexts and carries a formal register. While not overly common, it effectively conveys the need for careful attention and is best employed in situations where formality and precision are valued. Alternatives like "substantial text" or "formal text" can be considered based on the nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

substantial text

Indicates a text with considerable content or importance.

weighty text

Emphasizes the significance or impact of the text.

formal text

Highlights the text's adherence to formal conventions.

academic text

Specifies the text's origin and nature within an academic discipline.

complex text

Focuses on the text's intricate or elaborate nature.

difficult text

Highlights the level of effort required to understand the text.

profound text

Emphasizes the depth and insight present in the text.

scholarly text

Indicates the text's rigorous research and academic merit.

important text

Stresses the text's significance and relevance.

critical text

Highlights the text's role in analysis or evaluation.

FAQs

How to use "serious text" in a sentence?

You can use "serious text" to describe written material that requires careful attention and thoughtful consideration. For example, "The professor assigned a "serious text" on quantum physics for the final exam."

What can I say instead of "serious text"?

You can use alternatives like "substantial text", "formal text", or "scholarly text" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "serious text" or "seriously text"?

"Serious text" is the correct phrasing. "Seriously" is an adverb and does not fit grammatically as a modifier for the noun "text". You would use "serious" as the adjective.

When is it appropriate to describe something as a "serious text"?

It's appropriate when the written material involves complex ideas, requires careful analysis, or deals with important subjects. Examples might include academic papers, legal documents, or philosophical treatises.