this could be serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this could be serious" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a situation may have significant consequences or implications. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, I realized that this could be serious and we need to take immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This could be serious.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is saying to himself, "This could be serious, Arthur.

The New Yorker

"The implications if I did not challenge this could be serious for me.

The Guardian

And "if other symptoms are associated with them, like fever, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes and extreme fatigue, then this could be serious and you should see a doctor".

The New York Times

Laugh it up all you want about Snapchat making your money disappear, this could be serious business.

TechCrunch

"A lot of times when women meet someone and they're dating someone, there's a hope of, 'This could be serious.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If this trend accelerates, there could be serious consequences for the future of the profession in this country.

The Guardian

This is when there could be serious problems with performance".

Science Magazine

3) Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers (32 PPG, 9 RPG Griffinn has led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2007-08 and the side could be serious contenders this season if he continues to play at this elite level.

Independent

Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "If the secretary of state is 'rolling back' on his pledge of delivering 5,000 more GPs over the course of the next parliament, then this is disappointing news and there could be serious consequences for our patients, and the wellbeing of our current workforce".

The Guardian

Of course Mr. Nielsen could be serious.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing "this could be serious", avoid overusing it in close proximity to similar phrases, as this can dilute the impact. Instead, vary your language to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "this could be serious" when the severity of the situation is already apparent. This can make your writing sound redundant or patronizing. Instead, focus on explaining the specific consequences or actions that need to be taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this could be serious" functions as a modal expression of concern, indicating the speaker's assessment of a situation as potentially grave. As shown by Ludwig, it introduces a note of caution, prompting consideration of possible negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this could be serious" is a versatile phrase used to express concern and caution about potentially grave situations. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, primarily in news, wiki and scientific content. While not exceedingly common, its usage is widespread enough to be considered part of standard English vocabulary. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, ensure that the context and potential implications are clear to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this could have dire consequences

Emphasizes a likelihood of extremely negative outcomes.

this might have grave implications

Emphasizes the potential for severe and far-reaching effects.

the repercussions could be significant

Highlights the potential for noteworthy consequences or effects.

it may lead to considerable problems

Focuses on the possibility of substantial issues arising.

this might escalate rapidly

Implies a likelihood of fast and dramatic worsening of a situation

this might turn into a critical situation

Implies a potential escalation to a state of emergency or urgency.

this is a matter of great concern

Highlights the importance of the situation

the stakes could be high

Underscores the potential for significant gains or losses.

this bodes ill

Indicates that the situation is a bad omen.

this poses a considerable threat

Highlights the potential for danger or harm.

FAQs

How can I use "this could be serious" in a sentence?

You can use "this could be serious" to indicate a situation that might have significant negative consequences. For example, "The symptoms are worsening; this could be serious if we don't seek medical attention immediately."

What phrases are similar to "this could be serious"?

Similar phrases include "this might have grave implications", "the repercussions could be significant", or "it may lead to considerable problems".

When is it appropriate to use "this could be serious"?

It's appropriate to use "this could be serious" when you want to express concern or highlight the potential for negative outcomes if a situation is not addressed properly.

Is there a more formal way to say "this could be serious"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "the situation presents a significant risk" or "the implications of this are potentially severe."