serious time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period that requires focus, commitment, or significant effort, often in a context where seriousness is emphasized. Example: "Now that the deadline is approaching, it's serious time for the team to buckle down and finish the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

A serious time for German politicians.

The Economist

This is a really serious time".

The Guardian

"This is a serious time," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

He devotes serious time to speeches and campaign strategizing.

The New Yorker

And not every successful athlete spends serious time lifting weights.

The New York Times - Health

"This is a very serious time," he said.

The New York Times

"I think it's a very serious time for league football.

The Guardian - Sport

And I understand now it's a serious, serious time.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

When the considered flow is highly dissipative, this otherwise very attractive method faces a serious time-step limitation.

Journal of Computational Physics

But know that it can be a serious time-suck.

Vice

Yet Ronnie at the prime of his life did serious time three or four years.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "serious time", ensure the context clearly conveys the need for focused attention or significant effort. For example, "Now is a "serious time" for addressing climate change."

Common error

Avoid using "serious time" in casual conversations or informal writing where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. Overusing it can make your communication sound overly formal or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious time" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "serious" modifies the noun "time". This indicates a period that demands significant attention, effort, or carries substantial importance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "serious time" is a commonly used phrase that denotes a period requiring significant focus, effort, or commitment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science, the phrase conveys the gravity or importance of a situation, urging focused action. While versatile, overusing it in informal contexts should be avoided. Alternatives like "critical juncture" or "crucial period" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crucial period

Highlights the importance and potential impact of a time frame.

decisive moment

Suggests a turning point with significant ramifications.

critical juncture

Emphasizes a point of decision or potential crisis.

difficult phase

Highlights a period marked by hardship and challenges.

challenging moment

Focuses on the difficulty and demanding nature of the situation.

testing times

Focuses on the trials and difficulties experienced during a period.

moment of truth

Emphasizes a critical point where outcomes are revealed.

grave situation

Underscores the severity and potential consequences.

solemn occasion

Implies a situation that demands respect and seriousness.

weighty matter

Highlights the importance and potential impact of the issue at hand.

FAQs

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

"Serious time" is typically used to describe a period requiring significant focus or effort. For example, "This is a "serious time" for our company, and we need everyone to work together".

What's a good alternative to "serious time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "critical juncture", "crucial period", or "challenging moment".

Is "serious time" formal or informal?

"Serious time" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more commonly found in news articles, business reports, and academic papers. Consider your audience and the overall tone when deciding whether to use it.

What does "doing serious time" mean?

"Doing serious time" refers to serving a lengthy prison sentence. This usage is different from the general meaning of "serious time", which indicates a period requiring focus and commitment.