was very serious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was very serious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, tone, or demeanor that conveys gravity or importance. Example: "The meeting was very serious, as we discussed the future of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ruben was very serious.

The New York Times

"It really was very serious".

Independent

But Thomas was very serious.

The New Yorker

I was very serious.

The New York Times - Sports

"No, I was very serious," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their appearance in film was very serious.

The New York Times

"But he was very serious about baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was very serious," Hill chuckles.

The Guardian - Film

He was very serious at all times.

The New York Times

She was very serious about winning it".

The Guardian - Opinion

I was very serious about that".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was very serious", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is serious about. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid simply stating something "was very serious" without explaining why. This can leave the reader wondering about the specific implications or consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was very serious" functions primarily as a subject complement, describing a subject's state or characteristic. It's used to indicate the level of gravity or importance associated with a person, situation, or action. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was very serious" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to convey gravity or importance. Ludwig AI confirms it's widely used, especially in news and media. While versatile, providing context when using the phrase enhances clarity. Alternatives like "was extremely serious" or "took it seriously" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Avoiding overuse without context and being aware of register contribute to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was extremely serious

Emphasizes a higher degree of seriousness.

was utterly serious

Highlights the complete and absolute nature of the seriousness.

was intensely serious

Indicates a strong and concentrated level of seriousness.

was quite serious

Slightly less intense than "was very serious".

was gravely serious

Implies a somber and weighty seriousness, often related to important matters.

was indeed serious

Confirms and underscores the seriousness of the situation.

was really serious

An informal equivalent of "was very serious".

was remarkably serious

Highlights the unexpected or noteworthy level of seriousness.

took it seriously

Shifts the focus from the state of being to the action of treating something with seriousness.

meant business

An idiomatic expression indicating a serious intention or purpose.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "was very serious"?

You can use alternatives like "was extremely serious", "was quite serious", or "took it seriously" depending on the context.

How to use "was very serious" in a sentence?

Use "was very serious" to describe a person's demeanor, a situation, or an intention. For example, "The doctor's expression was very serious when he delivered the diagnosis."

What's the difference between "was very serious" and "was extremely serious"?

"Was extremely serious" is a stronger expression emphasizing a higher degree of gravity compared to "was very serious".

Is it okay to use "was very serious" in formal writing?

Yes, "was very serious" is acceptable in formal writing. However, consider using more precise and impactful alternatives like "was gravely serious" or "meant business" if appropriate.