the gravest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the gravest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely serious or severe, often in a context discussing risks, consequences, or situations. Example: "The gravest concern for the committee was the potential impact of climate change on future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's one of the gravest crimes.

The Guardian

The gentiles posed the gravest concern.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are at the gravest of moments.

The New York Times

Lincoln ran the gravest risks by reappointing McClellan to command.

The New York Times

Senior officers therefore discuss the abuses in the gravest terms.

The Economist

The gravest divisive factor in French society was religion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The gravest threat is what it has always been: Clinton.

The New Yorker

The gravest charges, though, swirl around the memo scandal.

The New York Times

In this symbolism lies the gravest wrong, I think.

Independent

The gravest error, perhaps, was underestimating the risk of tsunamis.

The New Yorker

But perhaps the gravest concern is actual political interference.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the gravest" to highlight the most critical aspects of a situation, especially when discussing consequences or potential risks. It adds weight to your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "the gravest" in casual conversations or informal writing. Its formal tone can sound overly dramatic or out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the gravest" functions primarily as a superlative adjective modifying a noun. It intensifies the noun's meaning, indicating the highest degree of seriousness, importance, or danger. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage, such as "the gravest threat" or "the gravest concern".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the gravest" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that intensifies the seriousness of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and prevalence in various authoritative sources, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using "the gravest", consider the context and formality of your writing, as overuse in informal settings can sound overly dramatic. Alternatives such as "the most serious" or "the most critical" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to leverage this phrase to emphasize critical aspects, consequences, or potential risks, thereby adding weight to your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most serious

Replaces "gravest" with a more common synonym, focusing on the intensity of the situation.

the most severe

Emphasizes the harshness or rigor of the situation, rather than its general importance.

the most critical

Highlights the decisive or crucial nature of the situation.

the most acute

Suggests a sharpness or intensity that requires immediate attention.

the most pressing

Indicates the urgency and importance of dealing with the matter at hand.

the most significant

Focuses on the importance and impact of the situation.

the weightiest

Emphasizes the burden or responsibility associated with the situation.

the direst

Conveys a sense of extreme urgency and danger.

the utmost serious

Uses 'utmost' to amplify the level of seriousness.

the furthest serious

Emphasizes the extreme or ultimate degree of seriousness.

FAQs

How is "the gravest" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "the gravest" is usually followed by a noun, describing something of utmost importance or seriousness. For example, "the gravest threat" or "the gravest concern".

What phrases can I use instead of "the gravest"?

You can use alternatives like "the most serious", "the most critical", or "the most severe" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "the gravest"?

It's best to use "the gravest" when describing situations that are exceptionally serious, carry significant consequences, or involve substantial risks, particularly in formal or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "the gravest" and "the most important"?

While both phrases indicate significance, "the gravest" implies a sense of danger, risk, or severe consequences, whereas "the most important" simply highlights the highest level of significance without necessarily implying peril.