serious times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "serious times" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to periods of significant difficulty, crisis, or important events that require attention and seriousness. Example: "We are living in serious times, and it is crucial that we come together to address the challenges we face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"These are serious times," he said.

The New York Times

In short, he was an unserious man for serious times.

The New York Times

Cooler heads prevailing on a serious issue in serious times.

The New York Times

"We're coming out of such serious times," Mr. McCollough said.

The New York Times - Style

These are serious times, and I am who I am.

The New York Times

For publishing houses these are serious times, indeed.

The Guardian

That said, obviously these are the most serious times, and in the most serious times, you don't have the luxury of ruling anything out".

The New York Times

"These are serious times, but we will have a little fun," Ms. Grabel said.

The New York Times

Serious times require serious people, goes the cry from No 10.

The Guardian

We don't want to laugh any more because these are serious times.

The Guardian

Red Herring, christened in less serious times, now sounds like a prescient name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "serious times" with actionable language. Instead of just stating the problem, suggest steps for addressing the challenges at hand. For example, "These are serious times, requiring us to innovate and collaborate effectively."

Common error

While "serious times" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid using it repetitively. Vary your language with synonyms like "critical juncture" or "grave situation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "serious times" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It describes a period characterized by significant challenges, crises, or important events, requiring attention and seriousness. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "serious times" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a period marked by significant challenges or crises. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, its tone often conveys urgency and concern. To avoid redundancy, consider alternatives like "critical juncture" or "grave situation". Using "serious times" effectively involves acknowledging the gravity of the situation and prompting thoughtful action. The frequent use of this phrase is validated by Ludwig's numerous examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

times of crisis

Directly points to a period marked by significant instability and danger.

grave situation

Underscores the seriousness and potential danger of the current circumstances.

perilous moment

Stresses the immediate dangers and risks associated with the current situation.

critical juncture

Emphasizes a turning point or decisive moment, highlighting the importance of the present.

testing times

Focuses on the demanding and evaluative nature of the current period.

difficult period

Focuses on the hardship and challenges experienced during a specific time.

challenging era

Highlights the difficulties and complexities that define a particular historical span.

momentous days

Highlights the historical importance and potential long-term impact of the present.

unprecedented circumstances

Emphasizes the novelty and lack of historical parallel to the current situation.

uncertain future

Highlights the lack of predictability and potential instability that lies ahead.

FAQs

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

You can use "serious times" to describe a period marked by significant challenges or crises. For example, "These are "serious times" that require careful consideration and decisive action."

What's a more formal way to say "serious times"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "critical juncture" or "grave situation" to convey the same sense of importance and urgency.

Is it correct to say "these are the most serious times"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase "these are the most "serious times"" emphasizes the unparalleled severity of the current period compared to previous ones.

What's the difference between "serious times" and "difficult times"?

"Serious times" often implies a sense of urgency and potential danger, while "difficult times" generally refers to periods of hardship and struggle without necessarily suggesting immediate threat. They can be interchangeable based on context, but the first has a stronger sense of urgency.