serious thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or significant matter that requires attention or consideration. Example: "This is a serious thing we need to discuss before making any decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

— It's a serious thing?

The New Yorker

Comedy is a serious thing.

The New Yorker

Humor is a deadly serious thing.

The New York Times

"This is a very serious thing.

The New York Times

That is a serious thing".

The New York Times

It's a very serious thing".

The New York Times

"It's an extremely serious thing.

The New York Times

It's not a serious thing".

The Guardian

It is a serious thing.

The New York Times

But it's a very serious thing.

The Washington Post

"But this is a serious thing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "serious thing" to emphasize the importance of a situation or issue. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but consider the tone you wish to convey.

Common error

While "serious thing" is versatile, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Opt for more specific and nuanced language to better convey the seriousness or complexity of the matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase complement or a subject complement. Ludwig AI examples show it attributing a quality of significance or gravity to a subject. For instance, "It is a serious thing" indicates that 'it' requires careful consideration or attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "serious thing" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the significance or gravity of a matter. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, writers should consider the specific context and audience to ensure the phrase's appropriateness. Alternatives such as "grave matter" or "important issue" may be more suitable in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave matter

Emphasizes the weighty and potentially negative implications of the situation.

important issue

Highlights the significance and relevance of the matter at hand.

critical situation

Focuses on the urgency and potential danger of the circumstances.

significant matter

Stresses the importance and potential impact of the issue.

major concern

Indicates a high level of worry and attention regarding the problem.

pressing issue

Highlights the need for immediate attention and resolution.

weighty subject

Implies a topic of considerable depth and significance.

dire situation

Conveys a sense of extreme urgency and potential catastrophe.

problem of great magnitude

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the issue.

matter of consequence

Highlights the potential ramifications and long-term effects.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious thing" to describe a situation, event, or issue that requires careful consideration. For example, "The doctor said the infection was a "serious thing" and needed immediate treatment."

What are some alternatives to "serious thing"?

Alternatives to "serious thing" include phrases like "grave matter", "important issue", or "critical situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "serious thing"?

While versatile, "serious thing" might not be suitable for all contexts. In highly formal or technical settings, more precise terminology might be preferred. Consider your audience and the desired level of formality.

What makes something qualify as a "serious thing"?

A "serious thing" is typically characterized by potential negative consequences, significant impact, or the need for immediate attention and careful handling. The gravity of the situation is a key factor.