severe crisis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe crisis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is extremely serious or critical, often involving significant difficulties or challenges. Example: "The country is facing a severe crisis due to the economic downturn and rising unemployment rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

20 00 most severe crisis".

The New York Times

"Italy faces a severe crisis that is exponential.

The Guardian - Business

Perestroika is going through its most severe crisis.

The New York Times

"It is a leadership dealing with a severe crisis.

The Washington Post

They have slumped to 14th spot and remain in a severe crisis.

The Guardian - Sport

International co-operation is always difficult, except in times of severe crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

Meanwhile, N.J. faces a severe crisis in the electronics business where he is a partner.

The Guardian - Film

It can make for a more severe crisis when the day of reckoning comes.

The New York Times

Mobile networks continue to function even during moments of severe crisis.

The Guardian

This kind of disagreement may signal, as some argue, a severe crisis in church authority.

The New York Times

The district attorney's office faced a severe crisis of confidence under Jordan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "severe crisis", be specific about the area or system affected. For example, specify whether it's a "severe economic crisis", a "severe health crisis", or a "severe political crisis" to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "severe crisis" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "critical situation" or "grave emergency" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe crisis" functions as a noun phrase, where "severe" modifies the noun "crisis". It commonly acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state of emergency or critical difficulty, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "severe crisis" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression to describe a situation of extreme difficulty or danger. As indicated by Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase precisely, specifying the type of crisis (e.g., "severe economic crisis") to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "critical situation" or "grave emergency" can be used to vary your language. Remember to avoid overuse and always provide context for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crisis point

Highlights that a situation is at a crucial stage where a decision must be made.

grave situation

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential for negative outcomes; more formal.

critical juncture

Highlights the decisiveness and turning point nature of the situation; less focused on immediate danger.

dire straits

Implies a desperate situation with limited options; more dramatic.

acute emergency

Focuses on the sudden and urgent need for action; more clinical.

major downturn

Specifically refers to an economic or financial decline; less broad.

profound challenge

Highlights the difficulty and complexity of the situation; less focused on immediate threat.

desperate circumstances

Emphasizes the lack of hope and the severity of the conditions.

precarious position

Indicates instability and vulnerability; less intense.

troubled times

A more general expression for a period of difficulty; less specific.

FAQs

How can I use "severe crisis" in a sentence?

You can use "severe crisis" to describe situations like, "The country is facing a "severe crisis" due to the pandemic" or "The company's mismanagement led to a "severe crisis" in investor confidence".

What are some alternatives to saying "severe crisis"?

Instead of "severe crisis", you can use phrases like "critical situation", "grave emergency", or "dire straits" depending on the specific context and intensity you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "major crisis" instead of "severe crisis"?

Yes, "major crisis" is a suitable alternative. While "severe" emphasizes the intensity and harshness of the crisis, "major" highlights its significance and scale. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.

What distinguishes a "severe crisis" from a regular "crisis"?

A ""severe crisis"" implies a higher degree of intensity, impact, and urgency than a regular "crisis". It suggests that the situation is not only challenging but also poses a significant threat or disruption.