very grave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very grave" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation, condition, or matter that is serious or severe in nature. Example: "The doctor informed us that the patient's condition is very grave and requires immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The situation is very grave," he said.

The New Yorker

"People are under very grave slavery".

The New York Times

"And what we know is very grave".

The New Yorker

"The situation is very grave.

The New York Times

A very, very grave situation".

The Guardian

The economic outlook is now very grave.

The Guardian

Mr. Bloomberg said he was in "very grave condition".

The New York Times

"These are very grave violations," he said in 1998.

The New York Times

The situation is very grave indeed, he says.

The Guardian

And we are in very grave danger of that happening.

The Guardian

The issues they ponder can be very grave.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "very grave", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Extremely serious" emphasizes severity, while "deeply concerning" highlights the emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid overuse, as it can diminish the impact. Vary your language with alternatives like "extremely serious" or "highly critical" to maintain emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very grave" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun. Ludwig examples show it frequently describes situations or conditions of extreme importance or severity. It intensifies the meaning of "grave".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very grave" is a frequently used adjective phrase to emphasize the seriousness or criticality of a situation. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while grammatically correct and widely accepted, it is most often found in news and media contexts. When writing, consider the specific nuances you want to convey, and avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "extremely serious" or "highly critical". The phrase serves to alert the audience to potential negative consequences or the urgent need for action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely serious

Emphasizes the severity of the situation.

highly critical

Focuses on the potential for negative outcomes or danger.

deeply concerning

Highlights the worry or anxiety caused by the situation.

critically important

Emphasizes the importance of addressing the issue immediately.

terribly wrong

Focuses on a significant error or mistake with severe consequences.

of utmost importance

Emphasizes the high level of significance and urgency.

major cause for concern

Indicates a significant problem that requires attention.

worrisome development

Highlights a new event that causes concern.

alarming situation

Stresses the sudden and frightening nature of the circumstances.

serious predicament

Focuses on a difficult or dangerous situation.

FAQs

What does "very grave" mean?

The phrase "very grave" is used to describe a situation, condition, or matter that is extremely serious, important, or concerning. It suggests a high degree of importance and potential negative consequences.

How can I use "very grave" in a sentence?

You can use "very grave" to describe various situations. For example: "The doctor informed us that the patient's condition is "very grave" and requires immediate attention." Or: "The economic situation is "very grave" due to the recent market crash."

What can I say instead of "very grave"?

You can use alternatives like "extremely serious", "highly critical", or "deeply concerning" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "very grave" or "serious"?

"Very grave" implies a higher level of seriousness than simply "serious". Use "very grave" when you want to emphasize the extreme importance or severity of a situation.