very grim indeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very grim indeed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a particularly serious or bleak situation or condition. Example: "The report on climate change painted a very grim indeed picture of our planet's future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Very grim, indeed.

The Economist

"Very grim indeed," Alan Clarke, at BNP Paribas, said.

The Guardian

The news from the National Federation of Independent Business on Tuesday was grim, very grim indeed.

The New York Times

I wish I could say we were making too much of Hell's growing problems, but I'm afraid the news in that area is very grim indeed.

The New Yorker

With many rare and important resources already becoming scarce, oil production at its peak and declining, and urgent concerns over fresh water supplies, the reality of the situation looks very grim indeed.

The New York Times

The future (if it isn't to be very grim indeed) will be more resilient, smaller scale, and will focus on wellbeing, not on "growth" in the meaningless and damaging stat that is GDP.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It conjured fantasy and escapism at a time when the world could be a very grim place indeed.

The Guardian - Arts

The PGA's national policy officer, John Attard, told the Press Association: "The Ministry of Justice statistics paint a very grim picture indeed.

The Guardian

The first, book-length attempt to evaluate British expenditure of blood and treasure, by former frontline military intelligence officer Frank Ledwidge, should become a Defence Academy set text – if, that is, the generals can bear it, because it makes for very grim reading indeed.

Independent

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Vice

Very low indeed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very grim indeed" to add emphasis when describing a situation that is not just negative, but profoundly so. This phrase is suitable when the circumstances warrant a strong expression of despair or pessimism.

Common error

Avoid using "very grim indeed" in situations that are only mildly negative. This phrase carries significant weight and should be reserved for scenarios that genuinely warrant a strong expression of negativity to prevent sounding melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very grim indeed" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, typically describing a situation, outlook, or prognosis. According to Ludwig, it intensifies the adjective "grim", emphasizing the severely negative or bleak nature of what is being described. This emphatic function enhances the emotional impact of the statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very grim indeed" is an adjectival phrase used to emphatically describe situations as profoundly negative or hopeless. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While its usage is neutral, it is essential to reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant a strong expression of despair to avoid sounding melodramatic. Alternatives include "extremely bleak" and "quite dire", offering nuanced ways to express severe negativity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incredibly bleak

Intensifies the feeling of desolation and despair.

extremely bleak

Emphasizes the despondency and lack of hope.

particularly dire

Emphasizes the pressing and critical nature of the circumstances.

quite dire

Highlights the urgency and severity of the situation.

utterly hopeless

Focuses on the complete absence of positive prospects.

decidedly hopeless

Emphasizes a conclusive lack of hope or positive prospects.

exceptionally grave

Indicates a serious and concerning state of affairs.

remarkably somber

Stresses the heavy and melancholic atmosphere.

distinctly unfavorable

Highlights the lack of promise or positive outcomes.

terribly unfavorable

Focuses on the negative and disadvantageous aspects of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "very grim indeed" in a sentence?

You can use "very grim indeed" to describe a situation, outlook, or prognosis that is severely negative or hopeless. For example, "The economic forecast for the next quarter looks "very grim indeed"".

What are some alternatives to "very grim indeed"?

Alternatives include "extremely bleak", "quite dire", or "utterly hopeless", each conveying a similar sense of severe negativity.

Is "very grim indeed" suitable for formal writing?

While "very grim indeed" is acceptable in formal writing, consider alternatives such as "exceptionally grave" or "remarkably somber" for a more nuanced expression of negativity in professional contexts.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "very grim indeed"?

Use "very grim indeed" when you want to emphasize the extreme negativity or hopelessness of a situation, ensuring the context genuinely warrants such a strong expression. Avoid overuse to maintain its impact.