very serious question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very serious question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the importance or gravity of a question you are about to ask. Example: "I have a very serious question regarding the future of our project that needs to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

That's a very serious question.

Independent

I have a very serious question.

The New York Times

"This is a very serious question," Ambassador Christopher Meyer said.

The New York Times

The law will pose a "very serious question of conscience, which doctors will have to face".

The New York Times

I mean this is a very serious question for the opposition.

The Guardian

Ball Don't Lie answers a very serious question: Who even plays for the 76ers now?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"We have very serious questions for Facebook.

The Guardian - Tech

"There is zero public discussion of these very serious questions".

The New York Times

"He has got some very serious questions to answer".

Independent

filings do raise a handful of very serious questions.

The New York Times

People need to be asking these very serious questions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow up a "very serious question" with specific details to guide the recipient towards a well-considered response.

Common error

Avoid using "very serious question" in situations where the matter is not genuinely significant, as this can dilute the phrase's impact and credibility. It's best reserved for issues with real consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very serious question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a query of significant importance. It prefaces the asking of a question deemed to have substantial implications. Ludwig AI provides examples that confirm its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very serious question" is a commonly used phrase that serves to emphasize the significance of an inquiry. It is grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, and predominantly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it should be reserved for situations genuinely deserving of its weighty connotation. Consider alternatives like "critical inquiry" or "weighty question" for formal settings, and avoid overuse in casual conversations to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vital question

Highlights that the question is essential or necessary.

weighty question

Suggests the question has significant implications or consequences.

critical inquiry

Highlights the importance of the question in leading to crucial insights or decisions.

consequential question

Focuses on the significant consequences that may arise from the answer to the question.

grave matter for consideration

Emphasizes the heavy implications and the need for thoughtful deliberation.

substantial matter to consider

Indicates the question involves significant details or considerations.

profound query

Emphasizes the depth and insightfulness that the question aims to uncover.

significant issue to address

Highlights the importance and necessity of resolving the underlying problem.

pressing concern

Shifts the focus to the urgency and importance of the issue being questioned.

momentous question

Emphasizes the historical significance or far-reaching impact of the question.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "very serious question" to sound more formal?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "critical inquiry", "weighty question", or "significant issue to address".

What's the difference between a "very serious question" and a "serious question"?

The addition of "very" intensifies the level of importance or gravity associated with the question. A "very serious question" implies higher stakes or potential impact than a simple "serious question".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "very serious question"?

Use "very serious question" when the topic at hand involves significant consequences, ethical considerations, or potential risks. It's suitable for formal discussions, critical analyses, and situations requiring careful attention.

What are some less formal alternatives to "very serious question"?

For less formal contexts, you might use phrases like "important question", "major question", or "big question", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.