take serious action

USAGE SUMMARY

"take serious action" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to indicate that strong measures should be taken. For example: "We must take serious action to ensure the safety of our citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

This crisis should galvanize the Security Council to take serious action.

The New York Times

I do not know what the sports authorities are waiting for in order to take serious action against the violence.

The Guardian - Sport

His comments are a stark reminder of our need to take serious action to save the reef".

The Guardian

I want to know that you have real, tangible solutions, and that once in office, you're ready to take serious action.

The New York Times

The British Medical Association also said the figures were "further evidence that the government needs to take serious action on alcohol misuse".

The Guardian

Weeks ago, Mr. Sharon warned that he had had enough of the shooting and that he would take serious action if it did not stop.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

In May, for instance, the council rejected two new laws, one to encourage foreign investment and the other to limit arrests for political crimes to those who take serious actions against the state, like armed struggle.

The New York Times

That non-professionals lack sufficient future orientation, and do not see possibilities to take serious actions for the future is a read problem.

Futures

The constant Bulgarian attacks forced Basil II to take serious actions.

Wikipedia

A few threatened to sue if the school took serious action against them.

The New York Times

There is little evidence that Fannie Mae's management or board ever took serious action.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take serious action", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific problem or situation warrants such a response. Be specific about the intended outcome of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "take serious action" without specifying the actual steps to be taken. For example, instead of saying "The government must take serious action", specify the measures, such as "The government must implement stricter environmental regulations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take serious action" functions as a call to action, urging decisive intervention in response to a pressing issue. As shown in Ludwig, it is frequently used in contexts where immediate and significant steps are necessary. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take serious action" is a call to implement significant measures to address pressing issues, used across diverse contexts but predominantly in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While "take serious action" is generally acceptable, it's best practice to specify the exact actions to avoid vagueness. Alternatives include "implement stringent measures" and "adopt decisive steps", depending on the intended nuance. The phrase's neutral register makes it versatile, but precision enhances its impact. Given its widespread use and clear communicative purpose, mastering "take serious action" is vital for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take meaningful steps

Focuses on actions that have a significant and positive impact.

adopt decisive steps

Highlights the importance of making quick and impactful decisions.

take determined steps

Emphasizes the resoluteness and firmness of the actions.

implement stringent measures

Emphasizes the enforcement of strict rules or policies.

make a concerted effort

Focuses on a collaborative and synchronized effort to achieve a specific goal.

undertake rigorous efforts

Focuses on the intensity and thoroughness of the actions taken.

initiate aggressive policies

Suggests a proactive and forceful approach in addressing issues.

institute comprehensive reforms

Highlights the implementation of thorough and extensive changes.

enforce strict regulations

Highlights the need to impose and uphold stringent rules.

employ drastic measures

Implies using extreme or radical actions to address a problem.

FAQs

How can I use "take serious action" in a sentence?

You can use "take serious action" to emphasize the urgent need for significant measures to address a problem. For example, "We must "take serious action" to combat climate change".

What are some alternatives to saying "take serious action"?

Alternatives include "implement stringent measures", "adopt decisive steps", or "undertake rigorous efforts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "take serious action" or "take serious actions"?

"Take serious action" is generally preferred because "action" can encompass multiple steps. "Take serious actions" is grammatically correct but less common. It might be suitable if referring to distinct, separate actions.

What does it mean to "take serious action" on an issue?

To ""take serious action"" means to implement significant and impactful measures to address a problem or situation. This often involves committing resources, enacting policies, and enforcing regulations.